Snoring and Its Association with Health Risks in Northern Sudan

Snoring, a common sleep disorder, has been associated with various health risks, including hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, data on snoring prevalence and its association with hypertension and T2DM in African countries, particularly in Sudan, are limited. A recent study aimed to assess the prevalence of snoring and its relationship with hypertension and T2DM in northern Sudan. This study was published in the journal BMC Public Health. The study was conducted by Bashir AO and colleagues.

Snoring, often dismissed as a harmless nuisance, can indicate underlying health issues. Hypertension and T2DM are major public health concerns globally, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Understanding the relationship between snoring and these conditions is crucial for preventive strategies.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in four villages in the River Nile state of northern Sudan from July to September 2021. A total of 384 adults participated, with sociodemographic data collected via questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was measured, and multivariate analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0.

Key Findings

• Among the participants, 27.6% were snorers.
• Factors positively associated with snoring included increasing age, increasing BMI, obesity, and alcohol consumption.
• Hypertension was prevalent in 56.0% of adults, with increasing age, increasing BMI, female sex, and snoring positively associated with hypertension.
• T2DM affected 27.6% of adults, with increasing age and snoring positively associated with T2DM.

The study reveals a significant prevalence of snoring among adults in northern Sudan, with notable associations with obesity, hypertension, and T2DM. These findings underscore the importance of addressing snoring as a potential risk factor for these chronic conditions.

Snoring appears to be a common issue in northern Sudan, with implications for hypertension and T2DM. Healthcare providers should consider screening for snoring in routine assessments, especially in individuals with obesity, to mitigate the risk of hypertension and T2DM development. Early intervention and lifestyle modifications may help prevent adverse health outcomes associated with snoring.

Reference

Bashir, A. O., Elimam, M. A., Elimam, M. A., & Adam, I. (2024). Snoring is associated with hypertension and diabetes mellitus among adults in north Sudan: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18505-x