Applying novel technologies to promote compassionate, user-centered, and equitable access to sleep apnea care in people experiencing homelessness

Scientist, KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute- University Health Network

In Canada, 35,000 people are experiencing homelessness on any night. Compared to the general population, people experiencing homelessness (PEH), sleep less and experience increased daytime fatigue. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder, and treatable cause of morbidity and low quality of life. High prevalence of chronic comorbid disorders of sleep apnea in PEH suggest a high prevalence of sleep apnea, but there is no existing study. Also, in PEH, individual and systemic barriers lead to a high rate of underdiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea. Azadeh will evaluate the application of user-centered mobile technologies to provide sleep apnea diagnosis and identify attributes of compassionate sleep apnea care for shelter residents.