INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is an increasing health problem related to cardiovascular disease, poor quality of life, daytime sleepiness and un-restorative sleep with an estimated prevalence up to 20% in the adult population. Approximately 82% of men and 93% of women with moderate to severe OSA remain undiagnosed. Relevant, fast, accurate and cost-effective screening methods are essential. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Danish version of the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ), and to investigate if the questionnaire can be used for screening of OSA in a Danish population.

METHODS: The BQ was translated into Danish according to guidelines producing the Danish Berlin Questionnaire (DBQ). The study population included 206 adult patients referred to the Sleep Clinic of Zealand University Hospital, Denmark, on suspicion of OSA.

RESULTS: 69.4% were males, 53.3% were obese (BMI > 30), the mean BMI was 32.01. A total of 135 patients had hypertension (65.5%). Apnoea/hypopnoea Index (AHI) ≥ 15 was present in 141 of 206 patients (68.4%). We observed a sensitivity of the DBQ of 84% and a positive predictive value of 69%.

CONCLUSIONS: We have successfully translated and partially validated the DBQ for OSA. Our study showed that the DBQ is useful for screening of Danish patients suspected of OSA. Further studies with improved screening methods and further development of questionnaires are recommended.

FUNDING: none.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency.