Association of Body Roundness Index and A Body Shape Index with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: insights from NHANES 2015-2018 data.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the relationship between several anthropometric indices-Body Roundness Index (BRI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Waist-to-Weight Index (WWI), Waist Circumference (WC), and Body Mass Index (BMI)-and the prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2015 to 2018.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 7,004 adult participants was conducted using NHANES 2015-2018 data. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were employed to assess the association between BRI, ABSI, and OSA. Non-linear relationships were explored via smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis using a two-part linear regression model. Subgroup analyses identified sensitive populations, and the discriminatory power of the indices in screening OSA was assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed a significant positive association between BRI and OSA, with a threshold effect observed at a BRI of 4.3. Below this threshold, OSA risk increased with higher BRI; however, no significant association was found above this threshold. Similarly, ABSI demonstrated a threshold effect at 8.2, with OSA risk positively associated to the left and negatively associated to the right. Subgroup analyses indicated stronger associations in younger and non-diabetic populations. ROC analysis identified BRI as a promising predictive tool for OSA, with an AUC of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.62-0.65).

CONCLUSION

BRI demonstrates significant potential as a predictive index for OSA incidence, warranting further large-scale prospective studies to validate these findings.