Sleep Health Education and Social Support Among Blacks With OSA

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which disproportionately affects blacks (31% vs. 10%, whites), is a critical, preventable and/or treatable disease potentially causing increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes (e.g., obesity, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, arrhythmia, and chronic heart failure). Improving sleep may have direct effects in reducing CVD risk,2 enhancing brain functions, and increasing workplace productivity. Unfortunately, our focus groups suggest that most at-risk blacks are unaware of OSA symptoms or its related morbidity. Thus, it is imperative to address poor adherence among blacks with OSA, if we are to reduce health disparities associated with CVD outcomes between blacks and whites.

This is a randomized study with a total of 6 sites recruiting; 3 will serve as controls and 3 that will be intervention. Group A participants (Intervention group) will receive health education from a trained Peer Health Educator and Group B participants (Control group) will meet with a salon worker, barbershop worker, or church Health Ministry group leader. Participants will be asked to use a sleep diary and wear a home sleep test device to measure sleep for 7 days. They will be followed for 12 months.

Inclusion criteria

• self-reported race/ethnic minority
• ages ≥18 years
• accessible by telephone
• consent to participate, which includes permission to release medical record information
• A positive screening for OSA is necessary to be enrolled in the intervention protocol.

Exclusion criteria

• are involved in another sleep study.
• are unable to understand and sign this informed consent form.
• know someone who is participating in this study.
• had a heart attack or stroke within the past 12 weeks.
• do not identify yourself as a racial/ethnic minority.
• are pregnant.
• Refuse to use the ARESTM home sleep test device.
• Refuse to use the WatchPATTM home sleep test device.
• are not at risk for sleep apnea.