A Brief Lifestyle Modification Programme in Overweight Subjects With Obstructive Sleep Apnoea - Needs Assessment

• Conditions: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea; Overweight

• Registration Number: NCT04262986
• Lead Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong

Brief Summary

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common chronic disease and associated with cardiovascular and neurocognitive sequelae. Overweight is a common, reversible risk factor of OSA, and the rapid rise in obesity worldwide may lead to increases in OSA and related adverse health outcomes. Weight-loss interventions, especially comprehensive lifestyle interventions, are associated with improvements in OSA severity, cardiometabolic comorbidities, and quality of life. However, the intensive nature of these programmes often pose a barrier to adherence. Furthermore, although there is strong evidence to support the value of mobile text messaging to promote physical activity and healthy eating in clinical and community settings, messaging has rarely been applied in interventions for overweight OSA subjects.

The proposed study aims to examine the feasibility of a brief lifestyle modification programme that makes use of smartphone technology (WhatsApp or WeChat) to empower subjects to start doing simple and easy-to-do exercises that can be easily integrated into daily life for gradual lifestyle change.

Detailed Description

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common chronic disease and associated with cardiovascular and neurocognitive sequelae. Overweight is a common, reversible risk factor of OSA, and the rapid rise in obesity worldwide may lead to increases in OSA and related adverse health outcomes. Weight-loss interventions, especially comprehensive lifestyle interventions, are associated with improvements in OSA severity, cardiometabolic comorbidities, and quality of life. However, non-adherence is commonly seen in such lifestyle modification programmes. Such programmes are often intensive and pose a barrier to adherence. Researchers have suggested that programmes with fewer sessions may improve the completion rates. As yet, there have been no randomised trial assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of a brief theory-based lifestyle modification programme.

Furthermore, although there is strong evidence to support the value of mobile text messaging to promote physical activity and healthy eating in clinical and community settings, messaging has rarely been applied in interventions for overweight OSA subjects. In Hong Kong, where smartphone penetration is extensive (89% in 2017), utilising messaging as an intervention tool may be especially valuable.

The proposed study will examine the perceived burden and informational needs and preferences of overweight subjects with OSA, especially in relation to physical activity. The study will also examine the feasibility of a brief lifestyle modification programme that makes use of smartphone technology (WhatsApp or WeChat) to provide personalised support and empower subjects to start doing simple and easy-to-do exercises that can be easily integrated into daily life for gradual lifestyle change and weight reduction.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2020-02-06
• Study First Submitted QC: 2020-02-06
• Study First Posted: 2020-02-10
• Study Start: 2020-05-11
• Status Verified: 2022-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2022-04-11
• Last Update Posted: 2022-04-13
• Primary Completion: 2022-12-30
• Study Completion: 2022-12-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 100

Inclusion Criteria

• Aged 18 years or above;
• Performed sleep test in sleep laboratory; and
• Mentally fit to provide informed consent and answer self-administered questionnaire.

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Exclusion Criteria

• Those on CPAP or oral appliance treatment;
• Diagnosed with psychiatric illness; or
• Unwilling to give informed consent.

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Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Preference on physical activity	Immediately after obtaining written consent	Outcome-based questions with categorical choices

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Current physical activity practices	Immediately after obtaining written consent	Outcome-based questions with categorical choices
Dietary consumption habits	Immediately after obtaining written consent	Outcome-based questions with categorical choices
Preference on m-Health information	Immediately after obtaining written consent	Outcome-based questions with categorical choices
Daytime Sleepiness	Immediately after obtaining written consent	Epworth Sleepiness Scale, ranged from 0 - 24 scores. The ESS score (the sum of 8 item scores, 0-3) can range from 0 to 24. The higher the ESS score, the higher that person's average sleep propensity in daily life. Score \>10 is interpreted as excessive daytime sleepiness
Sleep quality	Immediately after obtaining written consent	A single-item sleep quality scale; range from 0 -10; Higher score is interpreted as better sleep quality
Preference on programme contents and information	Immediately after obtaining written consent	Outcome-based questions with categorical choices

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

The University of Hong Kong; 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, Hong Kong