Epidemiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a descriptive study in the mid-western region of Nepal

Abstract

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to analyze the distribution of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in terms of time, place, and person among inpatients at the Mid Western Regional Hospital (MWRH) in Nepal.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out by analyzing trends using secondary data for the fiscal years 2006–2009 in the inpatient department of the MWRH.ResultsThe majority of patients admitted for treatment of COPD were women (60%) and from higher ethnic groups (having a comparative advantage in terms of social and economic status), with a greater prevalence among those aged 60–69 years (37% of overall cases). The incidence of COPD increased in consecutive years, with the highest load during the winter months. The cases were most concentrated in places with easiest access to the hospital.ConclusionCOPD was found in higher proportions among women, those aged 60–69 years, and upper caste groups, during the cold months, and among residents of areas near the hospital in the mid-western region of Nepal. It is recommended that further detailed research and health education regarding COPD be carried out to reduce its burden and associated losses.

Assessment of rotahaler inhalation technique among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a teaching hospital of Nepal

“…Several previous studies showed that most of the COPD patients belonged to the age group 40-65 years which was in agreement with the present study 10,11 . More than half of COPD burden were borne by females supporting the fact that most of the COPD patients are females as they are exposed to indoor biomass fuel fi res for considerably long period of time 10,12 .…”

“…Several previous studies showed that most of the COPD patients belonged to the age group 40-65 years which was in agreement with the present study 10,11 . More than half of COPD burden were borne by females supporting the fact that most of the COPD patients are females as they are exposed to indoor biomass fuel fi res for considerably long period of time 10,12 . World health organization (WHO) estimated that 22 percent of all COPD cases are caused by the indoor smoke from biomass fi res and this study supports this statement as majority of COPD clients were involved in household activities and more than half of them reported of using biogas fuel for cooking similar to the study done at Mid-Western Regional Hospital of Nepal 1,10 .…”

“…More than half of COPD burden were borne by females supporting the fact that most of the COPD patients are females as they are exposed to indoor biomass fuel fi res for considerably long period of time 10,12 . World health organization (WHO) estimated that 22 percent of all COPD cases are caused by the indoor smoke from biomass fi res and this study supports this statement as majority of COPD clients were involved in household activities and more than half of them reported of using biogas fuel for cooking similar to the study done at Mid-Western Regional Hospital of Nepal 1,10 . DPIs are widely used in clinical practice; however, a number of studies have shown that many patients don't use inhalers correctly with fi gures for incorrect inhalation technique ranging from four percent to 94 percent 6 with as many as 67 percent misusing their rotahaler 13 .…”

Study of Pre-disposing Factors of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Antibiotic Prescribing Pattern with Reference to Antibiotic Sensitivity Test

“…5 This can be co-related with the study, which depicted the extensive use of biomass fuels by female individuals for long period of time increased the risk of indoor air pollution. 6 Several other studies presented similar findings where females are predominantly affected. [6][7][8][9] According to the WHO, previously COPD was more common in men while because of increased tobacco use among females in high-income countries and the extensive exposure to indoor biomass fuels used for cooking and heating in low-income countries, both genders are almost equally affected by the disease.…”

“…6 Several other studies presented similar findings where females are predominantly affected. [6][7][8][9] According to the WHO, previously COPD was more common in men while because of increased tobacco use among females in high-income countries and the extensive exposure to indoor biomass fuels used for cooking and heating in low-income countries, both genders are almost equally affected by the disease. 10 However, some studies showed the higher prevalence of male suffers than the women because of increased frequency of smoking among men.…”