A nationwide survey of public COPD knowledge and awareness in Saudi Arabia: A population-based survey of 15,000 adults

Abstract

Background There is a concerning lack of representative data on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) awareness in Saudi Arabia, and a significant proportion of the population is vulnerable to developing a smoking habit, which is a major risk factor for the disease. Methods Population-Based Survey of 15,000 people was conducted to assess the public knowledge and awareness of COPD across Saudi Arabia from October 2022 to March 2023. Results A total of 15002 responders completed the survey, with a completion rate of 82%. The majority 10314 (69%) were 18–30 year and 6112 (41%) had high school education. The most common comorbidities among the responders were depression (7.67%); hypertension (6%); diabetes (5.77%) and Chronic Lung Disease (4.12%). The most common symptoms were dyspnea (17.80%); chest tightness (14.09%) and sputum (11.19%). Among those who complains of any symptoms, only 16.44% had consulted their doctor. Around 14.16% were diagnosed with a respiratory disease and only 15.56% had performed pulmonary function test (PFT). The prevalence of smoking history was 15.16%, in which current smokers were 9.09%. About 48% of smokers used cigarette, 25% used waterpipe and around 27% were E-cigarette users. About 77% of the total sample have never heard about COPD. Majority of current smokers (73.5%; 1002), ex-smokers (68%; 619), and non-smokers (77.9%; 9911) are unaware of COPD, p value <0.001. Seventy five percent (1028) of the current smokers and 70% (633) of the ex-smokers have never performed PFT, p value <0.001. Male, younger age (18–30 years), higher education, family history of respiratory diseases, previous diagnosis of respiratory disease, previous PFT, and being an ex-smokers increases the odds of COPD awareness, p-value <0.05. Conclusion There is a significantly low awareness about COPD in Saudi Arabia, especially among smokers. A nationwide approach must include targeted public awareness campaigns, continued healthcare professional education, community-based activities encouraging diagnosis and early detection, advice on smoking cessation and lifestyle changes, as well as coordinated national COPD screening programs.

Comparative analysis between PUMA and CAPTURE questionnaires for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) screening in smokers

“…Our study found most smokers were predominantly male, with a significant proportion falling within the 51-60 age group, consistent with findings from other studies [17,18]. The majority of participants started to smoke between the ages of 15 and 20 and had a smoking history spanning 20 to 30 years, primarily at a moderate intensity.…”

Obesity Prevalence and Association with Spirometry Profiles, ICU Admission, and Comorbidities Among Patients with COPD: Retrospective Study in Two Tertiary Centres in Saudi Arabia

“…Our study has practical implications. Given the substantial prevalence of COPD in Saudi Arabia 23 and the limited knowledge and awareness of this condition among the general public in the country, 37 coupled with the notable prevalence of overweight and obesity among Saudi patients diagnosed with COPD in our study, it is imperative that https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S442851…”

“…11 For adults, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines overweight as a BMI of 25 to 29.9 kg/m 2 and obesity as a BMI of 30 kg/m 2 or greater. 12 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further divide obesity into three classes: class I, or mild (30-34.9 kg/m 2 ), class II, or moderate (35)(36)(37)(38)(39).9 kg/m 2 ), and class III, or morbid (40 kg/m 2 or higher). 13 Although weight loss is common in people with COPD, several studies have reported that around 65% of the COPD population is classified as overweight or obese.…”

A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia

“…It is interesting to observe that the limited or inadequate understanding of risk factors is not exclusive to lung cancer. A recent comprehensive study conducted on a national scale examined the general population’s awareness of the risk factors associated with COPD ( 32 ). The authors revealed a generally low awareness among the studied population ( 32 ), despite high prevalence and incidence of COPD in Saudi Arabia ( 33 ).…”

“…A recent comprehensive study conducted on a national scale examined the general population’s awareness of the risk factors associated with COPD ( 32 ). The authors revealed a generally low awareness among the studied population ( 32 ), despite high prevalence and incidence of COPD in Saudi Arabia ( 33 ). This is especially interesting as the survey was conducted in the post-COVID-19 era, with the expectation that knowledge and awareness of the risk factors for lung diseases would generally be better than before the COVID-19 pandemic.…”