Effects of Augmented Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Education and Support on Compliance and Outcome in a Chinese Population

To study the effects of augmentation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) education and support on compliance and outcome in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A randomized, controlled, parallel study of basic vs augmented CPAP education and support. A university teaching hospital. A total of 108 OSA patients randomized into basic-support (BS) and augmented-support (AS) groups. Patients in the BS group (n = 54) were given educational brochures on OSA and CPAP, CPAP education by nurses, CPAP acclimatization, and were reviewed by physicians and nurses at weeks 4 and 12. Patients in the AS group (n = 54) received more education, including a videotape, telephone support by nurses, and early review at weeks 1 and 2. Objective CPAP compliance, Calgary sleep apnea quality of life index (SAQLI), and cognitive function after 1 month and 3 months; and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) after 3 months of CPAP treatment. At 4 weeks, CPAP usage was 5.3 ± 0.2 h/night (mean ± SEM) vs 5.5 ± 0.2 h/night in the BS and AS groups, respectively (p = 0.4). At 12 weeks, CPAP usage was 5.3 ± 0.3 h/night vs 5.3 ± 0.2 h/night in the two groups, respectively (p = 0.98). There was greater improvement of SAQLI at 4 weeks (p = 0.008) and at 12 weeks (p = 0.047) in the AS group. There was no significant difference between BS and AS groups in terms of improvement of ESS and cognitive function. Augmentation of CPAP education and support does not increase CPAP compliance, but leads to a greater improvement of quality of life during the reinforced period.