Clinical Correlation between Screening Test STOP-BANG Score and Body Mass Index with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity in Patients with Sleep-disordered Breathing

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common yet underdiagnosed condition associated with significant cardiometabolic morbidity. In resource-limited settings, simple screening tools such as the STOP-BANG questionnaire and body mass index (BMI) are widely used; however, their correlation with OSA severity remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between STOP-BANG score, BMI, and OSA severity in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Respiratory Medicine at a tertiary care teaching hospital from July 2023 to June 2025. A total of 53 adults with suspected SDB were assessed using clinical evaluation, BMI measurement, STOP-BANG questionnaire, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. All patients underwent polysomnography, and OSA severity was classified using the apnea-hypopnea index as mild, moderate, or severe. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24, with P < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Of the 53 patients, 64% were male. High STOP-BANG scores (5-8) were observed in 64% of participants, while 87% were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Severe OSA was diagnosed in 41.5% of patients. Higher STOP-BANG scores showed a positive correlation with increasing OSA severity, particularly when combined with elevated BMI. Most obese patients with high STOP-BANG scores had moderate to severe OSA. CONCLUSION: STOP-BANG score and BMI are simple, reliable predictors of OSA severity. Their combined use can aid early risk stratification and prioritize patients for polysomnography, especially in resource-constrained settings.