Evaluating the risk of obstructive sleep apnea at a urology clinic

A single-center experience

Authors

  • Jainik Shah Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6244-5332
  • Connor Roque Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnnipeg, MB, Canada https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7090-004X
  • Sahand Malek Marzban Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • Maximilian G. Fidel Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • Yool Ko Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • Harliv Dhillon Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • Avinash Sarcar Men's Health Clinic Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • Rachele Molyneaux Mens Health Clinic Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • Premal Patel Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.9695

Keywords:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, STOP-Bang Questionnaire, Men's Health, Primary care, Sleep Health, Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition marked by recurrent upper airway obstruction, affecting 2–4% of middle-aged adults. Its prevalence increases with age, body mass index (BMI), and central adiposity. Beyond its respiratory consequences, OSA is linked to several urologic conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, and low testosterone. This study evaluated the prevalence of OSA screen-positivity among men attending a specialized urology clinic and explored their access to and experiences with primary care providers (PCP).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to consecutive male patients aged 18 years or older presenting between September 2024 and May 2025. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and OSA risk was assessed using the STOP-Bang questionnaire, stratifying participants into risk categories. Statistical comparisons included Chi-squared/Fisher’s exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Results: Among 140 respondents (median age 64 years, body mass index [BMI] 28.5 kg/m²), 72.9% (n=102) were at intermediate-to-high risk for OSA, yet only 19.8% (n=26) had ever discussed the condition with their PCP. Higher BMI was independently associated with elevated OSA screen-positivity, while age showed a non-significant trend; smoking, alcohol use, and ethnicity were not predictive.

Conclusions: These findings underscore a missed opportunity for early identification of OSA and support the integration of screening within urology clinics to improve timely diagnosis and management.

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Published

2026-10-19

How to Cite

Shah, J., Roque, C., Marzban, S. M., Fidel, M. G., Ko, Y., Dhillon, H., … Patel, P. (2026). Evaluating the risk of obstructive sleep apnea at a urology clinic: A single-center experience . Canadian Urological Association Journal, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.9695

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 2 (2027): CUAJ February

Section

Original Research

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