Frequency of Common Risk factors in Patients with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of common risk factors in stable COPD patients presented to outpatient department of Pulmonology unit Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar.Methodology: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at Pulmonology unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital from July 2010 to July 2011 (One Year). Data was collected by Convenience sampling (non probability. A total of 196 patients with stable COPD were included in the study. Demographic data and common risk factors like gender, smoking status, indoor air pollution exposure, occupational exposure and family history, were recorded and analyzed through an objective oriented proforma.Results: Out of 196 patients 80% were males and 20% were females. Mean age was 55.28 (±8.91SD) years. Among them 137 (70%) were smokers and 59(30%) were non-smokers. Among the smokers 36% were current smokers, 24% were ex-smokers and 10% were passive smokers, while 14% of the nonsmokers were exposed to indoor air pollution, 13% were affected by occupational exposure and3%were having positive family history.Conclusion: Cigarette smoking, indoor air pollution and occupational exposure were the common risk factors for the development of COPD where cigarette smoking being the commonest.