Analysis of Knowledge Regarding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Among Male Smokers in Rwamishenye Ward,...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a growing public health concern in low-resource settings, yet awareness remains limited among high-risk groups such as smokers. In Tanzania, despite rising COPD prevalence, little is known about knowledge and perceptions among rural smokers. This study assessed knowledge about COPD among smoking men in a rural Tanzanian community.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 smoking men aged ≥18 years in Rwamishenye Ward, Bukoba District, Tanzania. Participants were selected using random household sampling and interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), with results presented as frequencies, percentages, and summary statistics.

Participants had a mean age of 28.98 years, with most (77.5%) earning <200,000 Tsh monthly and 82.5% having smoked for five to ten years. Overall awareness of COPD was low, with only 18.8% having heard of the disease. Knowledge gaps were pronounced: 81.2% were unaware of the causes, 83.7% were unaware of risk factors, 81.3% were unaware of how COPD is acquired, 83.7% lacked knowledge of prevention, and 82.5% were unsure about curability. Only 16.3% recognized that COPD can be clinically detected, and just 3.8% correctly identified adults >40 years as the most affected group. Awareness of the COPD-lung cancer link was moderate (41.3%). Health centers were the primary information source (48.8%), followed by media (37.5%) and the internet (13.8%). Despite poor knowledge, all participants (100%) believed COPD prevention is a personal responsibility.

Knowledge of COPD among rural smoking men in Tanzania is critically low, despite high smoking exposure and recognition of personal responsibility for disease prevention. Tailored community-based education, strengthened health facility-led awareness initiatives, and accessible diagnostic services are needed to improve COPD prevention and early detection in similar settings.