A Descriptive-Correlational Study On Lifestyle And Sleep Apnea Among Adults In Doha, Qatar
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Abstract
The study examined the relationship between lifestyle factors and the likelihood of developing obstructive sleep apnea in an adult population in Doha, Qatar (n=60), using a descriptive‑correlational design and purposive sampling of participants aged 18–80 years. Pregnant women were excluded. Results revealed a high prevalence of poor sleep quality and very high risk of obstructive sleep apnea among middle‑aged male participants, especially within Arab and South Asian populations. A strong negative correlation was found between healthy lifestyle behaviours particularly those related to psychological well‑being, safety, social connection, and life purpose and sleep‑apnea risk (r=–0.76, p<.001). These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive prevention and management strategy for obstructive sleep apnea that integrates clinical intervention with lifestyle enhancement (physical activity, nutrition, mental‑health support, community engagement). Implications for clinical practice include the adoption of lifestyle screening tools (e.g., the LHQ‑B) in sleep clinics, and for public‑health policy to target behavioural dimensions of sleep health. Future research should employ intervention‑based and longitudinal designs to establish causal links and assess outcomes across broader, more diverse populations.
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