Racial Disparity in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Care and its Impact on Cardiovascular Health

Purpose of review: Racial disparities in sleep health as well as the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders have emerged as a key driver of cardiovascular outcomes. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is characterized by repeated airway obstructions during sleep and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. While racial and ethnic minorities have disproportionately high OSA prevalence rates, diagnosis rates remain low. One explanation behind this phenomenon are structural environmental and lifestyle barriers that prevent access to OSA care. Additionally, there remains significantly limited understanding of OSA and its causes and symptoms within communities.

Recent findings: In general, minorities have poorer sleep health due to systemic and environmental racism, which also causes an increased in conditions such as obesity that increases OSA risk. Disparities also persist within various types of OSA treatment. The most common form of treatment, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has lower adherence among African Americans, as well as those living in areas with low socioeconomic status (SES), primarily minorities. There have been a small number of studies that have shown some initial success of educational campaigns about OSA within minority communities in increasing screenings and diagnoses. Peer based education has been an effective technique, and there is a need for such programs to be expanded.

Summary: Disparities persist, with minority groups having worse sleep health and lower rates of adherence to OSA treatment. Some grassroots, peer-led educational campaigns show promise in increasing adherence. In light of these disparities, there remains a need for the field of sleep medicine to continue addressing the systemic barriers that hinder the timely evaluation and treatment in racial minorities.