In populations of African descent, moderate-to-severe OSA had a pooled prevalence of 19% and was significantly associated with hypertension (OR 1.35), diabetes (OR 1.25), and obesity (OR 2.74).
Meta-Analysis (n=3,000)
Yes
Is obstructive sleep apnea associated with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in adults of African descent?
In populations of African descent, moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea has a pooled prevalence of 19% and is significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
Effect estimate: OR 1.35 (95% CI 1.16-1.56)
Abstract Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized as a contributor to cardiometabolic diseases, yet data remain scarce for populations of African descent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate OSA prevalence and its associations with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in these populations. Methods Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and a registered PROSPERO protocol (CRD420250649321), we searched five databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Research4Life, Google Scholar) for studies published between January 1, 2000 and March 31, 2025. Eligible observational studies objectively diagnosed OSA (polysomnography or polygraphy) in adults of African descent and reported prevalence or adjusted effect estimates for at least one cardiometabolic risk factor. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed with logit-transformed data; heterogeneity was quantified with the I² statistic. Results Of 3,093 records identified, six studies met inclusion criteria and four were pooled (total ≈ 3,000 participants). The pooled prevalence of moderate-to-severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 events per hour) was 19% (95% CI 7-41; I² = 96·3). OSA was significantly associated with hypertension (odds ratio OR 1·35, 95% CI 1·16-1·56), diabetes (OR 1·25, 95% CI 1·13-1·39), and obesity (OR 2·74, 95% CI 1·92-3·93). Sex, age, and sample size did not explain heterogeneity. Conclusion Populations of African descent experience a substantial but under-recognized burden of OSA strongly linked to major cardiovascular risk factors. These findings highlight urgent needs for large, community-based studies and for integration of sleep-disorder screening into non-communicable-disease programs across Africa to reduce diagnostic inequities and improve cardiometabolic outcomes. This abstract is funded by: None
Wachinou et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in Obstructive sleep apnea and cardiometabolic diseases (n=3,000). Obstructive sleep apnea was evaluated on Prevalence of moderate-to-severe OSA and association with hypertension (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.16-1.56). In populations of African descent, moderate-to-severe OSA had a pooled prevalence of 19% and was significantly associated with hypertension (OR 1.35), diabetes (OR 1.25), and obesity (OR 2.74).
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