Factors influencing adherence to continuous positive airway pressure devices in individuals with spinal cord injury and sleep apnea: Results of a qualitative study

Background: In individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and sleep apnea (SA), adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy seems unsatisfactory despite technical and educational support implemented when starting treatment. Objective: We aimed to design comprehensive model of adherence to CPAP therapy in individuals with SCI and SA. Methods: This was a prospective qualitative study based on semi-directed interviews and using the grounded theory as an analytic method. The theoretical framework was the social cognitive theory of Bandura. Participants were recruited from an SCI referral centre. Individuals with SCI using or having used a CPAP device for SA were included. Data were collected by semi-directed interviews on the experience of individuals with SCI regarding SA and being fitted with a CPAP device and were coded and organized into categories of experience and category relationships. Results: Among the 17 individuals included; 9 had tetraplegia; the median age was 62 (Q1–Q3 47–66) years and median time since injury was 16 (Q1–Q3 1.75–21) years. Four categories of data were identified: 1) from symptoms to validation of SA diagnosis, 2) CPAP device fitting process, 3) representations of SA, and 4) level of adherence to the treatment. In addition to the factors already observed in the general population, the proposed model identified specific adherence factors in individuals with SCI, such as physical and relational dependence on a third party, increased daily care burden and increased presence of medical devices in the daily environment. Conclusion: SA and its management present certain specificities in individuals with SCI that the physician must take into account to optimize therapeutic proposals, follow-up modalities and device adherence.