Comparison of Stop Bang Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Screening of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

BACKGROUND Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder and is associated with significant morbidity. A simple but accurate tool to screen patients for OSA is needed. We wanted to compare STOP-BANG Questionnaire & Epworth Sleepiness Scale to predict the probability of OSA. METHODS A prospective observational study of 46 eligible patients was undertaken. They were assessed using SBQ & ESS & stratified as per the risk of OSA. The Apnoea Hypopnea Index (AHI) was calculated & patients were stratified into mild, moderate & severe OSA. The SBQ scores, ESS scores & AHI was then studied along with the predictive probabilities of both questionnaires in diagnosing OSA. RESULTS Of the 46 patients, 89.13 % & 45.65 % were classified as high risk on the SBQ & ESS respectively. 78.26 % were diagnosed OSA on the sleep study according to AHI. SBQ had a high sensitivity to predict OSA (97.22 %) & low specificity (40 %). ESS had low sensitivity & high specificity to predict OSA being 52.78 % & 80 % respectively. CONCLUSIONS Both Stop-Bang questionnaire & ESS help in determining the risk of OSA. STOP-BANG is a better screening parameter due to its high sensitivity & negative predictive value.