Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Fez, Morocco: results from the BOLD study

To present population-estimated prevalence of spirometrically confirmed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults (age ⩾40 years), living in the city of Fez, Morocco.

Following the Burden of Lung Disease (BOLD) methodology, population-based sampling plans were used for the recruitment of eligible adults. The study collected questionnaire data on respiratory symptoms, medical history, health status, exposure to risk factors for COPD and quality of life. Post-bronchodilator spirometry was performed and COPD and its stages were defined according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines.

Among 768 individuals with valid data and acceptable quality post-bronchodilator spirometry results, the overall prevalence of stage 1 or higher COPD was 12.6%. The prevalence of GOLD stage 2 or higher COPD was 7.9%. The population-estimated prevalence of lower limit of normal (LLN) modified stage 1 or higher COPD was 8% among non-smokers, and it increased with number of pack-years (17.8% for >20 pack-years vs. 3.8% for <10 pack-years). The prevalence of physician-diagnosed COPD was 3.2%; this was associated with an increase in smoking pack-years.

These results emphasise the urgent need to take necessary measures to reduce the prevalence of tobacco smoking.