Using a generic measure of quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Purpose: To evaluate the utility of a Multicultural Quality of Life Index (MQLI) in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea (OSAH). Methods: Physical examination, MQLI and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were applied to participants. In addition, a polysomnography or a respiratory polygraphy was carried out. Results: A total of 221 patients participated, 186 (84%) males, mean age 48.8±11.8 years. TheMQLI scores 7were .73±1.45 and the ESS 9.9±5.2. A total of 188 (85%) patients had OSAH: 40 (21%) mild, 43 (23%) moderate, and 105 (56%) severe. The average time to answer the MQLI was 3.5 min. Cronbach's alpha index was 0.930. MQLI score in patients with and without OSAH was 7.73 versus 7.75 (p=0.949); and by severity: non-OSAH 7.75, mild 8.04, moderate 8.14, and severe 7.44 (p=0.023). There was a slight correlation between MQLI score and Apnea-Hypopnea Index in total population, but it disappeared when we analyzed by severity. MQLI and ESS correlation was R=-0.3256 (p