0573 A SURVEY TO ASSESS PATIENTS’ INTEREST IN THE DIDGERIDOO AS AN ALTERNATIVE THERAPY FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Abstract

Introduction: Adherence to standard therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (e.g. positive airway pressure [PAP]) is low. New alternative therapies for OSA could be beneficial to patients who are nonadherent. In a prior clinical trial, didgeridoo therapy improved OSA outcomes, but few studies have replicated these findings. A large trial to test the efficacy of the didgeridoo is needed. As part of a feasibility/ pilot study to prepare for a large trial, we measured the level of interest in a didgeridoo instructional program among patients with OSA. Methods: We mailed 344 surveys to patients (aged ≥ 21 years) at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center who were nonadherent to PAP therapy over the prior 12 months as part of the recruitment phase for an instructional program using the Asate didgeridoo. The survey included items assessing attitudes towards OSA, PAP, and alternative therapy for OSA, as well as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). We examined frequencies for items assessing dissatisfaction with PAP, difficulty using PAP, perceptions that treating OSA is important, and level of interest in a didgeridoo program, as well as the distribution of the ESS. Results: We received surveys from 56 individuals (response rate: 16%; 97% male). Of 56 participants, 15 (27%) indicated that they were currently dissatisfied with their OSA treatment, 67% reported difficulty using PAP, and 77% believed that treating OSA is important to their health. Mean ESS score was 10.9 (SD: 4.7). Twothirds of respondents (67%) expressed interest in participating in a didgeridoo program, and 68% indicated they would practice the didgeridoo. Conclusion: We found that over 2/3 of OSA patients who are nonadherent to PAP therapy are interested in participating in a didgeridoo program. Given this high level of interest, further research is needed to determine the role, if any, of the didgeridoo in management of OSA.