Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its major risk factors among the inhabitants of high

Abstract

Clinical and epidemiological examination of 2 264 residents of highaltitude regions (2 400 to 3 800 m*) and 1 498 inhabitants of lowaltitude regions (760 m*) ages 18 to 75 yrs was performed to estimate prevalence of COPD and its major risk factors. Higher prevalence of COPD among highlanders (7.6 %) was found compared to lowlanders (5.8 %; р < 0.05), especially in men older 40 yrs of age. The growth of COPD spread was observed in population of young persons including women. Leading risk factors for COPD in highlanders were smoking, air pollution inside houses from burn ing of pressed dung (kizyak) used as fuel and acute respiratory infections. Actually, the primary issues to decrease morbidity, mortality and preva lence of COPD in highlanders are preventive measures and early diagnosis of the disease.