Community-Based Case-Finding for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Self-Management Education in Partnership...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often undiagnosed, delaying crucial treatment and behavioral changes.
• Millions remain unaware of their condition, highlighting a need for accessible screening and education.
• Partnerships with faith-based organizations (FBOs) can bridge gaps in reaching underserved communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To increase awareness and facilitate diagnosis of COPD among Black Americans.
• To provide community-based self-management education for individuals with COPD.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of FBO partnerships in addressing respiratory health inequities.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional and pre-post study design was employed, partnering with FBOs.
• Community health fairs utilized trained COPD liaisons (CLs) to administer screening tools.
• Spirometry was performed by respiratory therapists for high-risk individuals, followed by educational sessions for eligible participants.

Main Results:

• Four CLs were engaged across seven health fairs, with increased CL self-efficacy and knowledge.
• Of 170 screened, 40 underwent spirometry, revealing a COPD prevalence of approximately 12.6%.
• Educational sessions significantly increased participant knowledge scores from 42% to 55%.

Conclusions:

• FBO partnerships effectively supplement primary care for COPD case-finding.
• Community-based educational sessions improved access to self-management resources for COPD patients and caregivers.
• Engaging CLs in addressing respiratory health disparities can enhance outcomes in minority populations.