Clinical Correlation between Screening Test STOP-BANG Score and Body Mass Index with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity in Patients with Sleep-disordered Breathing
Satyam B. Mahakale, Saood Ali, Anil Sontakke, Hassan Ali, Neha Rane, Vedant Zalke, Maninder SinghAbstract
Background:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common yet underdiagnosed condition associated with significant cardiometabolic morbidity. In resource-limited settings, simple screening tools such as the STOP-BANG questionnaire and body mass index (BMI) are widely used; however, their correlation with OSA severity remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between STOP-BANG score, BMI, and OSA severity in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).
Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Respiratory Medicine at a tertiary care teaching hospital from July 2023 to June 2025. A total of 53 adults with suspected SDB were assessed using clinical evaluation, BMI measurement, STOP-BANG questionnaire, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. All patients underwent polysomnography, and OSA severity was classified using the apnea–hypopnea index as mild, moderate, or severe. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24, with
Results:
Of the 53 patients, 64% were male. High STOP-BANG scores (5–8) were observed in 64% of participants, while 87% were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ). Severe OSA was diagnosed in 41.5% of patients. Higher STOP-BANG scores showed a positive correlation with increasing OSA severity, particularly when combined with elevated BMI. Most obese patients with high STOP-BANG scores had moderate to severe OSA.
Conclusion:
STOP-BANG score and BMI are simple, reliable predictors of OSA severity. Their combined use can aid early risk stratification and prioritize patients for polysomnography, especially in resource-constrained settings.