Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 2, 2025

Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Therapeutic Efficacy of Moving Cupping Along Meridians for Acute Exacerbation of COPD
04:03

Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Therapeutic Efficacy of Moving Cupping Along Meridians for Acute Exacerbation of COPD

Published on: September 27, 2024

933

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in sub-Saharan Africa

B I Awokola1, G A Amusa2, C P Jewell3

  • 1Centre for Health Informatics, Computing & Statistics (CHICAS), Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK, Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia.

The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease : the Official Journal of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
|February 24, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health issue in sub-Saharan Africa. Smoking significantly increases COPD risk, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death globally and a significant contributor to mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
  • Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of COPD in SSA is crucial for developing effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and analyze the prevalence of COPD in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • To identify and quantify key risk factors associated with COPD in the region, with a focus on smoking.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed across multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Global Health).
  • Abstracts from thoracic conference proceedings (2017-2020) were manually searched to supplement the database search.
  • A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the pooled prevalence of COPD and its association with current smoking.

Main Results:

  • Out of 831 identified titles, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria for the review and meta-analysis.
  • The pooled prevalence of COPD in SSA was found to be 8% (95% CI 6-11), with individual study prevalence ranging from 1.7% to 24.8%.
  • Increased COPD prevalence was linked to older age, smoking, and exposure to biomass smoke. Current smoking showed a pooled odds ratio of 2.20 (95% CI 1.62-2.99) for developing COPD.

Conclusions:

  • COPD significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality among adults in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Smoking is identified as a critical and modifiable risk factor for COPD in the region.
  • Multidisciplinary efforts involving clinicians, researchers, and policymakers are essential to reduce smoking exposure and combat COPD.

More Related Videos

Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure08:17

Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure

Published on: August 25, 2017

11.1K
Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach04:53

Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach

Published on: October 18, 2024

969

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease01:22

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
1.5K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
3.0K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
3.2K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.01:25

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.

Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
3.0K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
2.6K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management01:29

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management

Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
2.7K