Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Adult Male Smokers in Jordan

Abstract

SESSION TITLE: COPD Epidemiology & Physiology PostersSESSION TYPE: Poster PresentationsPRESENTED ON: Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 01:15 PM - 02:15 PMPURPOSE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However the prevalence of COPD and associated risk factors are not well studied in most developing countries.METHODS: Prospective descriptive study performed in the city of Irbid, Jordan and its surrounding areas (population approximately 950,000). Male smokers aged 35 years and older were recruited from local primary health care centers, mosques, and schools. Subjects were asked to complete a health history questionnaire, have a brief physical exam, and undergo spirometry. Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria were used to define COPD. Multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression was used to determine which demographic and clinical factors were associated with COPD.RESULTS: A total of 526 subjects completed the study protocol. Sixty-six (12.5%) of the subjects were diagnosed with COPD and only 8 subjects (1.5%) previously knew of this diagnosis. Only 2 (3%) of subjects with COPD reported that they were on medications for this disease. By the GOLD criteria, 41 of the 66 (62%) of the subjects had moderate to very severe disease. Logistic regression analysis showed that number of pack-years, symptoms of chronic bronchitis and history of frequent lower respiratory infections significantly increased the odds of having COPD.CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 8 male smokers from a community sample in Irbid, Jordan had COPD and most of these individuals had moderate to severe disease. In addition, most of the subjects with COPD were not aware of previously being diagnosed and were not receiving appropriate treatment for their lung disease.CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: COPD is common and under diagnosed medical problem. General population and smokers needs to be educated about this serious problem.DISCLOSURE: The following authors have nothing to disclose: Basheer Khassawneh, Musa Al-Omari, Yousef Khader, Ali Shaker Dauod, Zouhair Amarin, George BergusNo Product/Research Disclosure Information.