The Relationship between Sleep Apnea and Pulmonary Function in Workers of One of the Aluminum Industries

Respiratory sleep disorder is one of the most common sleep disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting sleep apnea in workers working in one of the aluminum industries.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in one of the aluminum industries in the south of Iran in 2021. The lung capacity of the workers was assessed according to the guidelines of the American Association of Lung Specialists. Berlin questionnaires were used to assess obstructive sleep apnea. Data were analyzed using T-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple logistic regression.

In this study, 152 workers in the aluminum industry with an average age of 33.63 ± 6.34 years and a body mass index of 25.06 ± 3.07 participated. 34.9% of workers were at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Age (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.08-1.37), body mass index (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.18-2.08), and FEV1 / FVC (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.59-0.98) were significantly associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea (P < 0.001)

Workers, in the aluminum industry, have a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. Age, body mass index, and FEV1 / FVC are the main predictors of sleep apnea. These variables should be considered in the screening tests and clinical trials.