Pulmonary prevention program in the Proszowice county: description and results

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Respiratory Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Proszowice county exhibits higher incidence rates of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to other Polish regions.
• A targeted prevention program was implemented to address the significant public health burden of these respiratory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on a comprehensive prevention program aimed at reducing the prevalence and impact of COPD and lung cancer in Proszowice county.
• To analyze data from surveys and diagnostic tests to understand the scope of respiratory diseases in the region.

Main Methods:

• The program incorporated active prevention (questionnaires, chest X-rays, spirometry) and passive prevention (health education).
• Questionnaire surveys were administered to county inhabitants aged 40 and above, with selected individuals undergoing spirometry and chest X-rays.
• Educational activities focused on promoting healthy lifestyles reached children, adolescents, and adults throughout the county.

Main Results:

• Data from 14,455 participants (70% of the county population) were analyzed, with 5,816 undergoing spirometry.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was diagnosed in 13.2% of subjects post-bronchodilator spirometry; 7.2% reported a physician's diagnosis of asthma.
• Current smoking prevalence was 24.2%, with occupational exposures negatively impacting lung function and respiratory health.

Conclusions:

• The prevention program successfully engaged a majority of the Proszowice county population through educational outreach and a large-scale survey.
• The study yielded crucial data on the prevalence of COPD, asthma, and associated risk factors within the Proszowice region.
• Findings underscore the effectiveness of community-based interventions in assessing and addressing respiratory health challenges.