The prevalence and factors associated with decreased oxygen saturation in a GP population of adults. A comparative study in Northwest Russia and Northern Norway

Abstract

Objective: To explore the prevalence and contributing factors of lower oxygen saturation in Northern Norway and Northwest Russia. Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study included 3833 respondents from Northwest Russia (3215) and Northern Norway (618). All men and women aged 40 years or more, visiting general practitioners´ (GPs) offices were the subjects. A structured questionnaire, a digital handheld pulse oximeter for oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse, and physical examination were used for data collection. Independent sample t-test (continuous) and chi-square test (categorical) were used to find a significant difference in two groups. The association between independent variables and oxygen saturation was measured using logistic regression and was reported as odd ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The prevalence of low SpO2 (<95%) was 4.4% in Northern Norway and 3.0% in Northwest Russia. In men and women, it was found to be 4.9% and 2.2% respectively. A significant predictor of lower oxygen saturation in both genders was ´other heart disease´. In men, severe breathlessness problem (OR = 3.6; 95% CI = 1.4-9.2) and current smoking habit (OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.6-7.3) showed statistically significant association with lower oxygen saturation. In women, a significant predictor of lower oxygen saturation was chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) (OR = 8.8; 95% CI = 4.2-18.8). Conclusion: The contributing factors of lower oxygen saturation are other heart diseases, COPD, severe breathlessness problem and smoking habit.