[COPD: cross-sectional study of prevalence and screening program in a risk area of the Po River delta in Italy]

Many population-based screening programs for the detection of COPD were reported and debated in the literature and public health practice. The use of portable spirometers, which minimize management costs and avoid the take in charge in housepatient or hospital centers, is now a common practice for COPD detection in the medical practitioner setting. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of COPD within a population-based screening in the Po river delt area in Italy, which is characterized by high density of factories and the presence of an electric power station in Porto Tolle. The study design required a one-year follow up for a two stage questionnaire administration and spirometric examination. Anamnestic, clinical and spirometric investigations were performed by a sample of resident medical practitioners. The catchment area included 112,721 inhabitants, and a multi-stage sample of 2872 people was selected. Prevalence of overall respiratory diseases, as well as of COPD, is quite similar to the figures expected according to national and European prevalence data. COPD prevalence ranges between 1.9-5.4% in males and 1.6-3.8% in females, whereas overall respiratory diseases range between 6.2-15.4% in males and 4.9-11.1% in females. Prevalence odds ratio confirm active and passive cigarette smoking as the main determinant for COPD.