Background and ObjectivesTobacco smoking has been established as a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in women of developing countries, but emerging evidence suggests that biomass fuel is an important risk factor as well. The primary objective of the study was to find the true prevalence of COPD in Indian women exposed to biomass fuel using spirometry. We also aimed to find the determinants of underdiagnosis of COPD in these participants.MethodsWomen with a history of exposure to biomass fuel for >10 years were screened for COPD using spirometry following all standard protocols as per GOLD/ATS/ERS definitions.ResultsOf the 2868 women screened, a total of 529 (18.4%) women were confirmed to have COPD in which 123 (4.2%) were "Women with known COPD" and 406 (14.2%) "Women with new COPD". The mean age at the time of Diagnosis was 61±5.2 and 47±3.6 respectively. The duration of exposure to biomass fuel had a great impact on the risk of COPD with OR 1.2, 95% CI (1.1-1.9) for patients with 10-15 years exposure and OR 2.9, 95% CI (2.5-3.1) for exposure >25 years, p<0.001.ConclusionThe prevalence of COPD among women exposed to biomass fuel is very high. A strong correlation was found between the risk of COPD and the duration of exposure along with the age at which the exposure to biomass fuel begins. Underdiagnosis of COPD was frequent in women due to the lack of the availability of spirometry, lack knowledge of hazards of biomass fuel, a low level of education and the ignorance of the health care provider being the important determinants of underdiagnosis.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.