Prevalence, risk factors and clinical correlates of COPD in a rural setting in Tanzania

What is it about?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease characterized by irreversible airway limitation resulting from inhalation of toxic gases and particles. The main causes of COPD are cigarette smoking and air pollution secondary to exposure at work place and contaminated ambient air from industries, vehicles and use of biomass fuel for cooking, lighting or heating. This study was conducted at a rural setting in Tanzania to determine the burden of COPD, its associated risk factors together with the level of indoor air pollution. The results indicate that COPD was present in about 17 in 100 people aged above 35 years. It was further revealed that a history of tuberculosis, cigarette smoking, male gender and older age increased the likelihood of developing COPD. Moreover, it was shown that indoor air pollution is a major problem in Tanzania and could potentially contribute to the risk of developing COPD.

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