STOP-BANG Questionnaire (OSA)
Screen for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) risk using the STOP-BANG questionnaire.
Formula
Sum of 8 binary yes/no items (0–8). ≤2 low; 3–4 intermediate; ≥5 high risk.
- Score 0–2: Low risk OSA. Score 3–4: Intermediate. Score 5–8: High risk.
- Pre-operative: score ≥3 warrants discussion with anaesthesiologist.
- Chung F et al. Anesthesiology 2008;108:812.
Obese middle-aged snorer
Inputs
- Snore loudly: 1
- Tired / fatigued during day: 1
- Observed to stop breathing during sleep: 0
- Pressure (treated for high BP): 1
- BMI > 35: 1
- Age > 50: 1
- Neck circumference > 40 cm: 1
- Gender = Male: 1
Score = 7. High OSA risk — refer for sleep study.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get a sleep study?
STOP-BANG ≥5 warrants formal polysomnography or home sleep apnoea testing. Untreated severe OSA is associated with hypertension, CVD, stroke, and motor vehicle accidents.