Prevalence of sleep apnea amongst the population of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of sleep apnea among the gastritis population in Saudi Arabia and explore its associations with sociodemographic factors, health conditions, and lifestyle habits.

Method

A total of 696 participants aged 18 years and older with gastritis were recruited from diverse regions within Saudi Arabia. Data collection included a structured questionnaire to evaluate symptoms of sleep apnea, gastritis health conditions, and lifestyle factors.

Results

The findings revealed a significant prevalence of sleep apnea, particularly among older adults, males, and individuals with gastritis health conditions along with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Notably, 40 ​% of respondents reported gastritis health issues with high blood pressure and obesity showing strong correlations with sleep apnea prevalence due to gastritis. Despite high rates of sleep-related symptoms—such as difficulty sleeping and frequent awakenings—only 15 ​% of participants had received a formal diagnosis, and even fewer were undergoing treatment.

Conclusion

The results reveal a significant gap in healthcare access and awareness of sleep apnea, highlighting the need for better screening and diagnosis. Recommendations include public health campaigns, enhanced healthcare training, and improved access to sleep specialists to address this public health issue in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East region.