Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Albania

Authors

  • Holta Tafa
  • Donika Mema
  • Arian Mezini
  • Jolanda Nikolla
  • Alma Teferici
  • Dafina Todri
  • Genc Burazeri
  • Hasan Hafizi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70135/seejph.vi.171

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of COPD and its associated factors among adults in Albania.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Albania in 2013-14. A nation-wide representative sample of 1200 adults aged ≥40 years was selected using multistage cluster sampling technique. All participants were interviewed about socio-demographic characteristics, respiratory symptoms, smoking status and clinical characteristics. Spirometry was performed according to standard methods. COPD was defined as post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio <70% predicted.

Results: Of the 1200 adults invited to participate, 939 adults or 78% (467 men and 472 women) were eligible for the study. The overall COPD prevalence (GOLD stage 1 or higher) was 12.4%; it was higher in men (17.4%) than in women (7.7%). Using Lower Limit of Normal (LLN), the prevalence of COPD was 9.9%, again higher in men (13.2%) than women (6.6%). The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed COPD was 1.3% (1.9% in men, 0.6 % in women). Male sex, smoking and increasing age were significantly associated with COPD diagnosis.

Conclusion: The overall prevalence of COPD in Albania was 9.9% using BOLD standards. Smoking and increasing age were the main risk factors for COPD. The study highlights the importance of raising awareness of COPD among health professionals.

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Published

2023-01-24

How to Cite

Tafa, H., Mema, D., Mezini, A., Nikolla, J., Teferici, A., Todri, D., Burazeri, G., & Hafizi, H. (2023). Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Albania. South Eastern European Journal of Public Health. https://doi.org/10.70135/seejph.vi.171

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Section

Original Research

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