Translation and validation of the Stop-Bang Questionnaire for obstructive sleep apnoea into Danish

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a growing problem as more and more consequences of the condition become unveiled owing to continued research on the subject. It is essential to establish relevant, fast and accurate screening options, both in the primary sector and for preoperative screening in hospitals if we are to diagnose and treat this condition and thereby avoid the consequences of the untreated disease. Methods: We have translated the Stop-Bang Questionnaire (SBQ) into Danish (SBQD) according to the guidelines presented by Guillemin et al in 1993. A validation study was performed including 43 consecutive patients. Results: Most of the patients were men (79%). The overall median age was 54 years (range: 21-83 years). The median SBQD score for the group with an Apnoea Hypopnoea Index value (AHI) > 5 SBQD was 4 (range: 2-5), AHI > 15 SBQD score 5 (range: 4-7) and AHI > 30 SBQD score 7 (range: 4-8). Setting the SBQD cut-off at three, thereby defining scores 0-2 as normal as proposed by the authors, we observed the following sensitivity (AHI > 5 = 96.6%, AHI > 15 = 100% and AHI > 30 = 100%). The area under the curve was calculated and significant p-values achieved. Conclusions: The translation of the SBQ into Danish was validated as the results achieved were comparable to those reported from other studies and as acceptable sensitivity and specificity were observed. To avoid too many false positives, we recommend that the SBQD cut-off is set to = 3 when screening pre-operative patients and to = 5 at primary physicians when screening high-risk patients.