Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Its Risk Factors: a Case Control Study

Entela Nako; Laureta Malushi; Enver Roshi

Volume : III, Issue : X, October - 2014

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Its Risk Factors: a Case Control Study

Entela Nako, Laureta Malushi, Enver Roshi

Abstract :

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of chronic morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is understand the role of risk factors for occurrence of COPD. A case control study was carried out at Dispensary of Tirana district over the two year period January 2012 – December 2013 were included in the study. Cases were recruited from newly diagnosed outpatient cases of mild, moderate or severe COPD. Controls were obtained from outpatients consulting for various extrapulmonary problems. All patients answered a standardized questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Age ≥60yrs, smoking, environmental tobacco smoking (ETC) exposure at home and exposure to solid fuel smoke at home are significant independent risk factors for COPD. Public health implications should include promotional campaigns to quit smoking and measures to ameliorate the indoor levels of air pollution.