Validation of the Dutch STOPBANG screening questionnaire for OSAS in healthy workers

Introduction and aims: OSAS is a serious health problem and is often underdiagnosed. The STOPBANG questionnaire has shown to be a useful screening tool for OSAS, especially in the preoperative setting. In developing a two-step screening tool for OSAS in Dutch healthy workers population (Eijsvogel et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2015) we aimed to validate the Dutch translation and assess the diagnostic properties of the STOP-Bang Questionnaire

Methods: 240 employees were included. They completed the Dutch version of the STOPBANG questionnaire and performed a home polysomnography. The questionnaire was translated into Dutch with forward and backward translation and compared with factor analysis to the English version. A score of ≥2 on the STOP questionnaire and ≥3 on the STOPBANG questionnaire indicated a high risk for OSAS.

Results: 186 respondents underwent home polysomnography; 37.1% were diagnosed with OSAS (AHI ≥5 with symptoms). Significant differences between risk groups were found for AHI and all STOPBANG related characteristics. Factor analysis revealed that the Dutch version of the STOPBANG questionnaire was valid and resulted in a one-factor model. Sensitivity of the STOP questionnaire was 65.2% and of the STOPBANG 79.7%, while specificity was 66.7% and 56.4% respectively. A female-specific cut-off point of the neck circumference of 32.5cm (instead of 40 cm) improved the sensitivity for women from 54.6% to 81.8%.

Conclusions: The Dutch version of the STOPBANG questionnaire is a valid tool for screening for OSAS in a healthy workers population. With a female-specific cut-off point of the neck circumference, a substantial increase in sensitivity can be accomplished in women.