1Department of Physiology, Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu-603 103, India
2West Australian Sleep Disorder Research Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
*Corresponding Author: D.C. Mathangi, Phone: +91(0)9940635874, Email: mathangidc@hotmail.com, Fax: +91 (0) 44 4741 1011
Online published on 19 December, 2013.
Information technologies (IT) professionals might be predisposed to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to the obesity and sedentary nature of their work. Hence the objective of this study was to assess work disability among the IT professionals with OSA.
This cross-sectional study was performed using self-reported questionnaire on sleep disturbances and work disability. Objective measurement of OSA was made using a portable home based type 4 sleep study.
A total of 74 male IT professionals completed all aspects of the study. Thirty per cent (n=22) were found to have OSA. Those with OSA reported greater work disability as reflected in a decreased work efficiency (89% vs 67%., p<0.05) and more frequent change in job (33% vs 9%, p<0.03). OSA was most common in individuals who described their job as a supervisor.
OSA is highly prevalent and associated with significant work disability among IT professionals.
Work efficiency, Work productivity, Stress
