BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both important health concerns. The association between COPD and OSAS and the consequences of this association has not been characterized in an adult community setting in the Philippines. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stable COPD patients at risk for OSAS and its impact on their quality of life.

METHODS: Consecutive patients diagnosed to have COPD who consulted at the outpatient clinics of the Pulmonary Sections of the Philippine General Hospital and the Lung Center of the Philippines from February to August 2006 were included in the study. The Tagalog versions of the Saint Lukes Medical Center Obstructive Sleep Apnea Clinical Score, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Saint George's Hospital Respiratory Questionnaire were administered to the subjects. T-test and Fischer's exact test were used in the analysis of the data.

RESULTS: A total of 173 subjects were included in the study. Eleven point fifty six percent of the subjects were at risk for OSA. These subjects had higher body mass index (p
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; Lung Disease ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; Quality Of Life