CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) AND ITS IMPACT AMONG HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE PUBLIC HOSPITAL IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a significant global health concern, ranking fifth in terms of global disease burden and projected to become the third leading cause of mortality by 2020. This study aims to assess the socio-demographic factors and impact of COPD among hospitalized patients at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 187 COPD. Data was collected using semi- structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews after obtaining informed consent. The analysis involved Pearson Chi-square tests to assess the associations between COPD-related factors and demographic variables. The mean age of respondents was 58 years, with 52.9% aged between 40-59 years, and 87.7% were male. The majority (73.3%) were current smokers, and 93.6% reported current breathing problems. Smoking was significantly associated with gender (P=0.002), and poor ventilation in the kitchen was reported by 69% of participants. Co- association analyses showed significant relationships between housing type, body mass index, education, and COPD-related factors. The findings emphasize the need for public health interventions, including smoking cessation programs, awareness campaigns on indoor air quality, and early medical diagnosis to manage and prevent COPD progression in Bangladesh.