The BOAH scale can be used to screen a patient for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Parameters:
(1) body mass index (BMI) in kg per square meter (B)
(2) observed apnea during sleep (O)
(3) age in years (A)
(4) history of hypertension (H)
|
Parameter
|
Finding
|
Points
|
|
BMI
|
< 30 kg per sq m
|
0
|
|
|
30 to 34.9 kg per sq m
|
1
|
|
|
>= 35 kg per sq m
|
2
|
|
observed apnea
|
no
|
0
|
|
|
yes
|
1
|
|
age
|
< 50 years
|
0
|
|
|
>= 50 years
|
1
|
|
hypertension
|
no
|
0
|
|
|
yes
|
1
|
total score =
= SUM(points for all of the parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 5
• A score >= 4 is associated with increased risk of OSA.
Performance:
• The area under the ROC curve is 0.78.
