Prevalence of chronic respiratory disorders in a rural area of North West India: A population-based study.

J Family Med Prim Care · 2016

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Chronic respiratory diseases are an important cause of disability across the globe. The global burden of these diseases is showing a discernible upward trend. It is estimated that 500 million people suffer from them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted with the aim to estimate the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a rural Indian population. For this, a population-based survey was conducted using modified British Medical Research Council questionnaire. This was followed by subjecting the respondents to Wright's mini peak flow meter to find out the peak expiratory flow rate to diagnose the COPD cases. RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and COPD was found to be 3.36%, 1.18%, and 4.21%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic respiratory disorders are more prevalent among rural adults hinting to a rural-urban divide. Therefore, the focus of preventive strategies should take into account this difference.