Annual Global OSA Report on Prevalence, Burden, Trends

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) represents a growing global public health challenge, with increasing prevalence and substantial impacts on health systems, economies, and quality of life. Despite its significance, comprehensive and regularly updated global data on OSA remain limited. To address this gap, GIFOSA is developing the Annual Global OSA Report on Prevalence, Burden, and Trends, a flagship initiative designed to provide an authoritative overview of the global OSA landscape.

The Annual Global OSA Report aims to synthesize the best available evidence from epidemiological studies, registries, health databases, and published literature. By consolidating data from diverse regions and populations, the report will estimate the global and regional prevalence of OSA, highlight variations across age groups and sexes, and describe temporal trends over time. This approach enables a clearer understanding of how OSA prevalence is evolving in different parts of the world.

Beyond prevalence, the report focuses on the broader burden of OSA. This includes its associations with cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, workplace and traffic accidents, reduced productivity, and healthcare utilization. Where data allow, the report will also examine economic costs and the societal impact of undiagnosed and untreated OSA, providing valuable insights for health planning and resource allocation.

An important component of the Annual Global OSA Report is the analysis of trends and emerging patterns. Changes in risk factors such as obesity, aging populations, urbanization, and lifestyle behaviors will be considered in relation to OSA prevalence and burden. The report will also explore trends in diagnosis, treatment uptake, and access to care, highlighting gaps and disparities between regions.

Developed with a commitment to transparency, methodological rigor, and global collaboration, the Annual Global OSA Report is intended to support clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and advocacy groups. By providing a consistent, evidence-based reference updated on a regular basis, this initiative strengthens awareness, informs policy decisions, and supports GIFOSA’s mission to advance healthier breathing and healthier sleep worldwide.