The influence of drug therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea on couple life. Qualitative study grounded theory

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterised by the collapse of upper airway during sleep, which determine intermittent hypoxia and fragmentation leading to snoring, impaired cognitive function, excessive daytime sleepiness, cardiovascular impairments. These disorders have a significant impact on quality life health both patient partner, determining stress frustration also couple relationship, workplace. Although gold standard treatment for OSA use continuous positive pressure (CPAP), many patients find it uncomfortable them their partners (difficulty in partner intimacy, fear disturbing partner's sleep) with consequent low adherence about 50% patients. For these reasons, efforts develop drug therapies been ongoing at least 20 years. Recently, we conducted randomized controlled trial (RCT) Italy test combination reboxetine (a noradrenergic agent) oxybutynin (an antimuscarinic) promising results. The aim this study understand how therapy has influenced couples' life. Methods was from February March 2020 research nurse who participated trial. We interviewed 11 participating pharmacological RCT 7 partners. data analysis order collect subjects' answers categories, identify core category as central element explanation process. Results Interviews permitted extrapolate 6 main categories relative subcategories patients: 1) OSA: unconscious danger; 2) (subcategories: sleepiness nervousness, lack sleep); 3) transitory situations; 4) (subcategories:change intimacy quality); 5) motivation help others recommended everyone; intention continue); 6) awareness helps caregiver, presence proximity, support). While partners, emerged: apprehension concern partner; repercussions daily (subcategorie: discomfort); couple's lives; couple; support before therapy, therapy); changes therapy; 7) helping others, “The our problem” that linked together. Conclusions Drug well embraced allows recover results provide useful information need involve promote therapy. Funding Acknowledgement Type funding sources: None.