Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Finland: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Abstract

Background and Aim: Normal spirometric values and prediction equations are largely unknown for Tibet residents. This study aimed to determine spirometric values and establish prediction equations for healthy Tibet residents. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 2909 healthy, non-smoking Tibetans aged 15-98 years. A multistage cluster sampling strategy was used for sample selection. Anthropometric and spi-rometric data from six different urban and rural areas were obtained. Age stratification and the male to female ratio were highly considered. Stu-dent's t-test was used to obtain normal reference values based on sex and altitude. Multiple linear regression was used to establish prediction equations. Results: The study was conducted between February 2015 and August 2016 in Tibet. Normal reference values of anthropometric data, such as age, height, and weight based on sex and altitudes, showed significant differences (P<0.01). Additionally, prediction equations with age, height, and weight were established for FVC and FEV1 between different genders and altitudes, respectively. Height and weight had positive effects on the equations, while age had negative relationships. Conclusion: This study firstly provides reference values for demographic characteristics and spirometry data for healthy Tibetans, with spi-rometry reference prediction equations based on sex and altitude. Acknowledgements: The authors thank all cooperators and local administrations for great cooperation on the field in this study. Background and Aim: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a leading cause of public health problem in China. Because of geographic and financial diversity, the prevalence of COPD and its risk factor pattern in Tibet region is limited. The aim was to obtain the prevalence of COPD and investigate the potential risk factors for COPD among Tibetans. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study involving six urban and rural Tibet regions was performed via stratified cluster random sampling. All subjects interviewed using a revised questionnaire, examined by chest radiograph and underwent pulmonary function tests. Post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) of less than 70% was the diagnostic criteria of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Results: Among 6000 subjects sampled for the study, 3871 participants completed the questionnaire, chest radiograph and spirometry. The overall prevalence of COPD was 11.06%. The prevalence of COPD was 14.86% for people aged more than 40 years and 7.64% for less than that (P<0.01). The prevalence was 9.26% and 12.29% for above and below the altitude of 3800m respectively. In a multiple logistic regression analysis model, age over 40 years old (odds ratio [OR]=1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.30-1.52), altitude less than 3800m (OR=1.13, 95% CI=1.04-1.21), lower body mass index (OR=1.08, 95% CI=1.04-1.12)and indoor exposure for cooking (OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.32-1.54) were positively associated with the...

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