Risk assessment for COPD using chronic CAT questionnaire and Vitalograph COPD-6 screening device

Abstract

Aim:The aim was to evaluate the impact of the area of residence on lung capacity as a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among the people of Fujairah, UAE. Settings and Design: After taking the permission from the manager of Fujairah City Center to carry out the study in the mall, COPD assessment test (CAT) and Vitalograph COPD-6 screening device were used for patient evaluation. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and eighty people were randomly selected based on specifi c inclusion and exclusion criteria to undergo lung examination using Vitalograph COPD-6 Screening device and CAT questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 17 was used for data analysis and statistical testing. The signifi cance was tested using sample t-test of independent variables for equality of means (Levene's test for equality of variance). Results: Both genders (age mean = 31.25 years old) regardless of race and ethnicity were included in the study; the male to female ratio was 3:1. Among male smokers, 88% from those who live in the city center area had COPD score (COPDS) <10, while in the area near the port 59% had COPDS <10. On the other hand, the mean of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and FEV ratio was much lower among male smokers and non-smokers who live in the port area than those who live in the center of the city. Conclusion: Further focused and follow-up studies are needed to measure the seriousness of air pollution on the respiratory system in the Gulf region.