Work

Bridging the gap in sleep health: a study of obstructive sleep apnoea ( OSA ) in First Nations Australians residing in South East Queensland

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common in Australia but underexamined among First Nations peoples. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 1563 adult sleep studies in South East Queensland (2022-2023). Thirty-eight participants (2.4%) identified as First Nations, of whom 74% had OSA. Comorbidities were more frequent among the First Nations cohort, though small sample size limited certainty. These findings reveal both under-identification of First Nations status and a substantial OSA burden, emphasising the need for culturally informed, community-led approaches to OSA care in Queensland.

Source: Internal Medicine Journal

DOI: 10.1111/imj.70357