Chronic airflow obstruction in Tanzania - a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Epidemiology
• Global Health

Background:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents a significant global health challenge.
• Data on COPD prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa remains scarce.
• This study addresses the limited data by investigating COPD in coastal Tanzania.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction in primary healthcare patients and visitors in Tanzania.
• To identify risk factors associated with chronic airflow obstruction in this population.
• To provide baseline data for larger, population-based studies.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, facility-based pilot study was conducted in urban and rural primary healthcare facilities in coastal Tanzania.
• 598 participants underwent post-bronchodilator spirometry.
• Chronic airflow obstruction was assessed using both ATS/ERS and GOLD criteria. FEF25-75 and FEV1% predicted were analyzed for risk factors.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction was 4% (ATS/ERS criteria) and 5% (GOLD criteria).
• Reduced FEF25-75 and FEV1% predicted correlated with increased shortness of breath and daily activity limitations.
• Biomass fuel cooking and a history of active tuberculosis were associated with poorer lung function (FEF25-75 and FEV1% predicted).

Conclusions:

• A notable prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction exists in Tanzanian primary healthcare attendees.
• Tuberculosis may be a more significant risk factor for chronic airway obstruction in Africa than smoking.
• Further population-based studies are recommended, utilizing both ATS/ERS and GOLD definitions with age-stratified analysis.