The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Middle East and North Africa: Results of the BREATHE study

Abstract

COPD is a progressive pulmonary disease which may have a profound impact on general health status and quality of life. This article presents data on the burden of COPD obtained from the BREATHE study in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan. This study was a large general population survey of COPD conducted in eleven countries of the region using a standardised methodology. A total of 62,086 subjects were screened, of whom 2,187 fulfilled the "epidemiological" definition of COPD. Data on symptoms, perceived disease severity, impact on work, limitations in activities and psychological distress were collected. 1,392 subjects were analysable of whom 661 (47.5%) reported experiencing an exacerbation of their respiratory condition, 49.4% reported comorbidities and 5.5% reported severe breathlessness as measured with the MRC breathlessness questionnaire. The degree of breathlessness, as well as the perceived severity, was correlated with the overall disease impact as measured with the COPD Assessment Test (p < 0.001). 374 subjects (28.4%) reported that their respiratory condition prevented them from working and this proportion rose to 47.8% in subjects who perceived their respiratory condition as severe. 47.9% of subjects reported difficulties in normal physical exertion, 37.5% in social activities and 31.7% in family activities. Psychological distress was reported by between 42.3% and 53.2% of subjects, depending on the item. In conclusion, the burden of COPD is important, and covers central aspects of daily life. For this reason, physicians should take time to discuss it with their patients, and ensure that the management strategy proposed addresses all their needs.

Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) on Patient’s Life and His Family

“…Uzaslan et al [15] also explored the impact of the disease on the patient's life among the inhabitants of the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan. The impact of the disease on sports activities was declared by 57.1% of patients (40.9-80%) vs. 60.85% of Polish patients, the impact on family life -31.7% (19.1-54.9%) vs. 29.79%, on sexual life 37.5% (19-54.9%) vs. 34.28% and on social life 37.5% (22.7-54%) vs. 26.52%.…”

Prevalence of chronic obstructive respiratory diseases amongst fishermen

“…It reached 6.7% among those who smoked more than 10 pack-years and 17.9% among those who smoked more than 20 pack-years. In a multicentric study of 62,086 subjects in eleven countries, including Morocco, 3.5% fulfilled the "epidemiological" definition of COPD of whom 47.5% reported experiencing an exacerbation of their respiratory condition [6,7]. In France the prevalence of COPD is estimated between 7.5% and 10% [4].…”

“…COPD is underdiagnosed, inadequately assessed and treated while it is a potentially serious chronic progressive respiratory which is a global burden and requires long-term treatment. In a multicentric study [7], only 31.8% claimed to have received a diagnosis of COPD from a physician and 20.6% had undergone spirometry in the previous year. In our study, 42.5% of people with COPD did not report any respiratory symptoms that could suggest the diagnosis.…”

“…In France, among adults, the prevalence of asthma is estimated between 6% and 7% [3] and that of COPD between 7.5% and 10% [4]. In developing countries, there are few studies assessing the burden of COPD [5][6][7].…”

Updates in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease for the Year 2014

“…However, most COPD patients may continue to smoke even though they were continuously warned by their physicians. According to several studies conducted in Turkey, smoking prevalence among COPD patients between 16% and 66.9% [62,63].…”