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This infographic provides information on Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis and treatment of active duty U.S. Armed Forces to help primary care providers screen high-risk individuals and encourage patients to explore OSA treatment options for managing this burden of disease. The data comes from an analysis of sleep apnea conducted from 2004 through 2016. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment of OSA, this growing health concern for military populations can be effectively managed. OSA symptoms include snoring, gasping for breath during sleep, headaches, insomnia and daytime fatigue. During the surveillance period, OSA were highest in those aged 40 years or older, male non-Hispanic black, obese, army service members, married, had more than one prior deployment or had completed 18 years or more of service. The incidence rate among individuals aged 40 years or older was more than 3-fold higher in 2015 compared to 2004. Individuals serving 18 or more years had a 3-fold higher incidence rate of OSA in 2015, compared to 2004. The 12-year incidence rate in service members serving 18 years or more was more than 2-fold higher than those with 11-17 years of service. Improved screening, referral, and treatment have been recommended for individuals who may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, in which OSA-associated fatigue and poor sleep quality can exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, the STOP-BANG questionnaire for sleep apnea may help primary care providers to screen high-risk individuals and identify those whose symptoms warrant further evaluation. Individuals who suffer from OSA have increased rates of cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, motor vehicle accidents, cognitive impairment, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn more about OSA and treatment options for managing this burden of disease by visiting Health.Mil/AFHSB

This infographic provides information on Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis and treatment of active duty U.S. Armed Forces to help primary care providers screen high-risk individuals and encourage patients to explore OSA treatment options for managing this burden of disease.

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  • This infographic documents an increase in the incidence of Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnoses and associated attrition among U.S. service members over a 12-year surveillance period from 2004-2015. It also examines time to separation from military service after an incident of OSA diagnosis. Here are key facts about the OSA incidence rates by service: • Rates of OSA were lowest in young service members, white non-Hispanics, Marines, air crew, and in those with less than five-years of service or no prior deployments. • The category of pilots/ air crew consistently had the lowest OSA incidence rates, compared to all other occupations • The annual incidence rates for the Army rose steadily from 2008 to 2015 and were higher during this period than the rates of the other services The high percentage of cases diagnosed prior to separation from service is a concern because OSA as a large health and economic burden for the armed services is a treatable and partially preventable disease. For more information on OSA, appropriate screening and prevention strategies to improve both individual health and mission performance, visit Health.mil/AFHSB This infographic documents an increase in the incidence of Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnoses and associated ... Related Infographics

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