Prevalence, incidence, morbidity and mortality rates of COPD in Saudi Arabia: Trends in burden of COPD from 1990 to 2019

Abstract

Background The available data to determine the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) burden in Saudi Arabia are scarce. Therefore, this study closely examines and tracks the trends of the COPD burden in Saudi Arabia from 1990 to 2019 using the dataset of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019. Methods This study used the GBD 2019 dataset to analyse the COPD prevalence, incidence, morbidity and mortality rates in the Saudi Arabian population from 1990 to 2019, stratified by sex and age. The age-standardised rate was used to determine the prevalence, incidence, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths. Results In 2019, an estimated 434,560.64 people (95% Uncertainty Interval (UI) 396,011.72–473,596.71) had COPD in Saudi Arabia, corresponding to an increase of 329.82% compared with the number of diagnosed people in 1990 [101,104.05 (95% UI 91,334.4–111,223.91)]. The prevalence rate of COPD increased by 49%, from 1,381.26 (1,285.35–1,484.96) cases per 100,000 in 1990 to 2,053.04 (1918.06–2194.29) cases per 100,000 in 2019, and this trend was higher in males than females. The incidence rate of COPD in 2019 was 145.06 (136.62–154.76) new cases per 100,000, representing an increase of 43.4% from the 1990 incidence rate [101.18 (95.27–107.86)]. In 2019, the DALYs rate was 508.15 (95% UI 434.85–581.58) per 100,000 population. This was higher in males than females, with a 14.12% increase among males. In 2019, YLLs contributed to 63.6% of DALYs due to COPD. The death rate due to COPD was 19.6 (95% UI 15.94–23.39) deaths per 100 000 in 2019, indicating a decrease of 41.44% compared with the death rate in 1990 [33.55 deaths per 100 000 (95% UI 25.13–47.69)]. In 2019, COPD deaths accounted for 1.65% (1.39–1.88) of the total of deaths in Saudi Arabia and 57% of all deaths caused by chronic respiratory diseases. Conclusion Over the period 1990–2019, the prevalence and incidence of COPD in Saudi Arabia have been steadily rising. Even though COPD morbidity and death rates have been decreasing, they remain higher in men and older age. The holistic assessment and interventions with careful attention to optimising the community-based primary care management, such as screening for early diagnosis, smoking cessation programs and pulmonary rehabilitation, are likely to be the most successful strategies to reduce the burden of COPD in Saudi Arabia.

Healthcare providers’ attitudes, beliefs and barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

“…There has been an increasing trend in Saudi Arabia’s prevalence and incidence of COPD from 1990 to 2019. 8 In 2019, it has been estimated that around 434 560 people had COPD in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 8 This study shows that the burden of COPD is increasing, and public health policy is necessary to offset this trend.…”

“… 8 In 2019, it has been estimated that around 434 560 people had COPD in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 8 This study shows that the burden of COPD is increasing, and public health policy is necessary to offset this trend. PR programmes are an example of community-based primary care management that must be implemented to lessen such a burden.…”

Future Acceptability of Respiratory Virus Infection Control Interventions in General Population to Prevent Respiratory Infections

“…In addition, most people with chronic lung disease believed they would continue their efforts to lower their risk of exacerbation by taking infection control measures in the future. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence and incidence of COPD have steadily risen, with an estimated 434,560.64 individuals having the disease in 2019 [ 29 ]. Their support for future policy initiatives was also strong, as shown by their support for 77% of the proposed measures.…”

Needs Assessment for the Establishment of Master’s Degree Programs in Respiratory Care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…Over the following decades, the job market for RTs will continue to grow (due to population growth and an increase in chronic illnesses, such as COPD), thus, demanding more RT staff in general and advanced RT practitioners, in particular, to keep up with the advancements in technology and treatment modalities. 11 With more new RT programs across the country, there will be a demand for RTs equipped with the skills for academia: theory, practice and research. Therefore, governmental and private academic institutes should be encouraged to start implementing master RC programs.…”

“…[1][2][3] Over the next 30 years in the KSA, there will be a great need for RC services, due to population aging, increases in chronic respiratory disorders (particularly asthma and COPD), population growth in general, and developments and advancements in technology and treatment modalities. [8][9][10][11][12] In order to advance the science and practice of respiratory care in the KSA, establishing master's degree programs in the field are required. This will help to bridge the gap between academia, clinical research and practice, train future RC faculty, as well as to create a platform for multidisciplinary cooperation and study.…”