Woods C, Usher K , Kerr L , Ferns J and Maguire G
Background: This study is the first to engage Aboriginal Australian and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples (Indigenous Australians) to better understand their experience of treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Objective: To explore Indigenous Australians’ experiences of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, enablers and barriers to CPAP therapy. Methods: A qualitative content analysis was employed. Data were collected by in-depth interviews with 12 Indigenous CPAP users.
Results: Lack of knowledge and a sense of shame influence Indigenous health care seeking related to OSA. Support from family and friends is an important factor in influencing the uptake of CPAP therapy and/or persistence with the treatment.
Conclusion: Raising awareness about the health risks of untreated OSA and the benefits of treatment will be an important first step for Indigenous Australians to recognise they have a medical condition and to seek treatment.
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