Woods, Cindy

Usher, Kim

Kerr, Lynn

Ferns, Janine

Maguire, Graeme

2016

Background: This study is the first to engage Aboriginal Australian and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples (Indigenous Australians) to better understand their experience of treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Objective: To explore Indigenous Australians' experiences of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, enablers and barriers to CPAP therapy. Methods: A qualitative content analysis was employed. Data were collected by in-depth interviews with 12 Indigenous CPAP users. Results: Lack of knowledge and a sense of shame influence Indigenous health care seeking related to OSA. Support from family and friends are an important factor in influencing the uptake of CPAP therapy and/or persistence with the treatment. Conclusion: Raising awareness about the health risks of untreated OSA and the benefits of treatment will be an important first step for Indigenous Australians to recognise they have a medical condition and to seek treatment.

Journal of Sleep Disorders: Treatment & Care, 5(3), p. 1-7

2325-9639

https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/20319

en

SciTechnol

Barriers and Enablers to Successful Uptake of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

Journal Article

Publication