Pulmonary Prevention Program in the Proszowice County: Description and Results

Abstract

Introduction: In the Proszowice county, both lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more common in comparison with other regions of Poland. The purpose of this paper was to provide a report on a prevention program carried out in the area to reduce the burden of COPD and lung cancer in the region. Material and methods:The program consisted of the following: active prevention -questionnaire survey offered to every county inhabitant aged at least 40 and chest X-ray and spirometry performed in selected subjects; and passive preventioncovering multiple educational activities promoting healthy lifestyle. Data obtained from questionnaire survey and spirometry were further analyzed. Results: Education program covered all local children aged 13-15, a majority of adolescents and a significant proportion of adult inhabitants of the county. Questionnaire data were obtained from 14,455 subjects (about 70% of county inhabitants). On the basis of the questionnaire results, the participants were selected to undergo spirometry (5,816 subjects) and chest X-ray (5,514 subjects). Current smokers constituted 24.2% of the total number of participants (33.3% of men and 16.8% of women). Electronic cigarettes were currently used by 0.65% of the subjects. Negative impact of occupational exposures (including farming) on lung function and the presence of respiratory symptoms was observed. Basing on post-bronchodilator spirometry, COPD was diagnosed in 13.2% of the subjects. Physician's diagnosis of asthma was reported by 7.2%. Conclusion: Educational activities and questionnaire-based study were targeted at and reached the majority of the county inhabitants. The study provided data on the prevalence and risk factors of COPD, asthma and respiratory symptoms in the Proszowice region.

E-cigarette use and respiratory symptoms in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Among these, 19 studies were conducted in the United States 21 - 39 , seven in the United Kingdom 40 - 46 and four in Italy 47 - 50 . Other countries included Poland 51 , Greece 52 , 53 , Malaysia 54 , 55 , Australia 56 , Canada 57 , Saudi Arabia 58 and Indonesia 59 . One multi-country study included a survey of respondents from France, Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland 60 .…”

“…The prevalence of cough among exclusive e-cigarette users encompassed a total of 54658 individuals from 12 separate studies 21 , 24 , 29 , 38 , 47 , 51 , 54 , 57 - 59 , 63 , 66 . A random-effects model was employed, revealing a pooled prevalence of cough at 21% (95% CI: 0.14–0.31).…”

“…The age groups for these studies ranged from young adults (18 years of age) to older adults (65 years). Of the 43 studies reviewed for study design, 8 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) 25,31,40,[42][43][44][45]47 , 19 were cross-sectional studies 22,24,29,30,35,[37][38][39]41,[51][52][53]55,56,[58][59][60][61]63 , and two were experimental studies 27,28 . Two studies used an integrated, mixed-method participatory approach called concept mapping 36,62 and another three studies used a retrospective study design 23,33,57 .…”

Chronic bronchitis symptoms in subjects without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: prevalence, burden and risk factors in southern Poland

“…Recently, a large health promotion program has been implemented in Proszowice County in southern Poland, aiming to improve the respiratory health status of the local population. 13 The program consisted of a series of educational initiatives and active prevention measures aimed at identification of individuals with respiratory symptoms among the county population. We have used the data from this program to determine the prevalence and burden of CB symptoms, as well as their risk factors, in a population of patients without irreversible airway obstruction.…”

“…The details and main results of the program were published elsewhere. 13 In brief, all county inhabitants aged 40 years or older were invited to participate. The program was based on a questionnaire composed of questions on respiratory symptoms (including detailed questions on cough and sputum production as well as the modified Medical Research Council [mMRC] Dyspnea score), previous medical diagnoses, and exposure to known and potential respiratory risk factors (including occupational risk factors).…”