COPD Unveiled: Insights from Dwellers along a Busy Highway in Kattankulathur Block
Mvm Pradeep1, M Logaraj1, K Bincy1
1Department of Community Medicine, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRMIST, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
Living near highways significantly increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study highlights the impact of roadside proximity on respiratory health, emphasizing early diagnosis and intervention for COPD.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Respiratory Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death globally and in India, contributing significantly to morbidity and disability.
- Outdoor air pollution is a major factor in India's high burden of chronic respiratory diseases.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing COPD, reducing complications, and improving patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of COPD within a specific population residing near a National Highway.
- To identify and assess key risk factors associated with COPD development in this community.
Main Methods:
- A community-based, cross-sectional study involving 403 elderly adults living along a National Highway.
- Data collection through interviews using a structured questionnaire and spirometry for pulmonary function testing.
- Statistical analysis using SPSS, including odds ratio and Chi-square tests to evaluate associations between variables.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of COPD was found to be 22% in the study population.
- Significant risk factors identified include cigarette smoking (78%), overcrowding (35.8%), lack of cross-ventilation (10.9%), and proximity to the highway (36.2% within 50m).
- COPD prevalence was nearly equal between males (11.1%) and females (10.9%) in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Living in close proximity to roadways is a significant risk factor for developing COPD.
- Environmental exposure, particularly air pollution from highways, plays a critical role in the high incidence of COPD.
- Findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions for populations residing in high-traffic areas.
Background:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung condition that imposes a significant financial burden on individuals and society, straining the medical system. According to the World Health Organization, it was the third leading cause of death worldwide in 2020. In India, it ranks as the second leading cause of death, and in Tamil Nadu, it is the tenth. The Global Burden of Disease study in 2018 found that COPD accounted for 50% of all cases and 69% of disability. Outdoor air pollution plays a major role in India's burden of chronic respiratory diseases. Early diagnosis and intervention can help to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce morbidity and mortality, ultimately improving quality of life.
Objectives:
(1) To estimate the prevalence of COPD among the study population (2) To assess the risk factors associated with COPD among the study population.
Methodology:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults along the roadside dwelling of a National Highway. Using a multi-stage random sampling technique 403 elderly was selected. Participants were interviewed by a pre-tested structured questionnaire followed by spirometry (pulmonary function test) evaluation. Data entry was performed in an Excel sheet and analyzed using SPSS. The odds ratio and Chi-square test were performed to determine the association between qualitative variables.
Results:
Among 403 study population 58% were male and 42% were female. The prevalence of COPD was found to be 22%, it was 11.1% among males and 10.9% among females. It is evident that individuals, who had exposure to risk factors such as cigarette smoking 78%, overcrowding 35.8%, lack of cross ventilation 10.9%, and living near a highway within 50 m of distance 36.2% are at more risk for developing COPD.
Conclusion:
Study revealed that people living in closer proximity with roadways increases the risk of COPD.
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