The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a BOLD study

Abstract

The overall prevalence of COPD in Saudi Arabia is 4.2%. Male, increasing age and smoking were the main risk factors for COPD.

Joint statement for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Middle East–North Africa region, 2017

“…The first study ever in the region was that of Al Zaabi et al in 2011, and results were comparable to the largest questionnaire-based BREATHE study in the MENA region. 21 , 22 Three studies were based on the BOLD protocol: Al Ghobain et al in Saudi Arabia, 25 Daldoul et al in Tunisia, 30 and El Rhazi et al in Morocco. 31 The other studies have already been described herein.…”

“…Estimated sex- and age-based prevalence of COPD also showed varied results. All studies reviewed demonstrated either statistically significant increased prevalence in males over females 21 , 25 , 29 or no difference. 22 , 23 , 28 This inconsistency can be explained by the wide variation in smoking prevalence in females within the region, differences in cultural background, and differences in exposure to other risk factors, eg, biomass fuel.…”

“…Recent studies in Saudi Arabia have revealed COPD prevalence of 2.4%–14.2%. 21 , 24 , 25 The study with high estimated prevalence was conducted in high-risk patients (smokers presenting to primary health clinics) instead of the general population, hence overestimating the results. 24 This difference was also noted in Jordan, with COPD prevalence being 5.4% (BREATHE study in general population) vs 8.2% in a study done in male smokers by Al Omari et al 21 , 26 …”

“…Based on BOLD protocol-estimated prevalence of COPD in Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco of 7.8%, 4.2%, and 12.6%, respectively, BREATHE COPD-prevalence estimates were 3.7%, 2.4%, and 2.2%, respectively. 25 , 30 , 31 Underreporting of mild symptoms, smoking prevalence (especially in females), criteria for diagnosis of COPD in BREATHE, and differences in methodology could partially account for this difference.…”

Frequency of Outpatient Inhalers Prescriptions in Riyadh

“…Another survey using the European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire carried out in Riyadh among a total of 2405 Saudi people aged between 20-44 years showed that the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma reported was 11.3% [20]. Regarding COPD, the overall prevalence of COPD in Saudi Arabia is 4.2% [21].…”