The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation has awarded Pitt Nursing assistant professor Jonna Morris, PhD, RN, a grant to study a pressing issue affecting women with sleep apnea – a lack of adherence to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.
The grant, totaling $99,998, will fund Morris’ project titled “A Formalized Patient-to-Patient Peer Support Program to Promote CPAP Adherence in Women.”
“Many women with obstructive sleep apnea have unique challenges getting used to wearing the CPAP,” said Morris. “Up to 50% or more women discontinue using it in the first days or months of treatment. I hope to learn if a peer support mentor can provide additional targeted support to help them successfully adhere to the CPAP long term. This would allow them to benefit from an improved quality of life and potentially reduce their risk for poor long-term health outcomes.”
CPAP therapy is a commonly prescribed treatment for sleep apnea, but many individuals, particularly women, struggle to maintain adherence, leading to compromised health outcomes.
“I am really excited about this opportunity to learn if a formalized peer support program can help improve the lives of women with sleep apnea,” said Morris.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recognizes sleep as essential to health, and its mission is to advance sleep care and enhance sleep health to improve lives.
The specific dates of the project haven’t been announced at this time.