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

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.