Symptoms and risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Mongolian population: A nation-wide analysis from the Mon-TimeLine study
- VernacularTitle:Нойронд амьсгал тасалдах хам шинжийн тархалт, эмнэлзүй: МОН-ТАЙМЛАЙН судалгааны үр дүн
- Author:
Misheel M
1
;
Byambasvren D
2
;
Tsolmon J
2
;
Batbayar B
1
Author Information
1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial sugery, School of Dentistry, MNUMS
2. MNUMS
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Prevalence, Berlin Questionnaire, Obesity, Hypertension, Sleep Screening, Age-related Risk
- From:
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences
2025;87(3):90-96
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:Sleep is a complex neuropsychological, biological, and physiological
process essential to human health. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
is a highly prevalent disorder worldwide. In Asian countries, 12–40% of the
population, and in the United States, 35.8% of the population are estimated to
be at high risk for OSA. In Mongolia, however, there is limited research on the
prevalence of OSA, which led to the initiation of this study.
Aim:To determine the prevalence and risk level of OSA among the Mongolian
population.
Materials and Methods:A total of 1,405 individuals aged 18 and older
from the clinical Mon-Timeline cohort study were assessed using the Berlin
Questionnaire (BQ). The BQ evaluates three categories: snoring and witnessed
apneas, daytime sleepiness, and high blood pressure and obesity.
Individuals who met criteria in any two of the three categories were classified
as being at high risk for OSA. Data on educational attainment and lifestyle
behaviors were collected using the Food Frequency Questionnaire and the
Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using
Student’s t-test, Pearson’s chi-square test (χ²), and ANOVA.
Results:The mean age of participants was 42 ± 14.3 years, and 42.5% were
male. A total of 24.3% (n=341) were found to be at high risk for OSA. The risk
increased with age: 6.7% in individuals under 30, 28.3% in those aged 30–50,
and 39.4% in those over 50. Participants at high risk for OSA tended to be older
and more physically inactive. Additionally, 41.7% of all participants reported
snoring, and 39.3% of those stated that their snoring disturbed others.
Conclusion:A significant portion (24.4%) of the Mongolian population is at
high risk for OSA. These individuals are more likely to be older and physically
inactive. The high prevalence of snoring and associated disturbances
suggests a need for increased awareness, early detection, and age-targeted
prevention strategies in Mongolia.
- Full text:202505232326418283290-96.pdf
