Research shows COPD prevalence remained stable overall between 2011 and 2021

From 2011 to 2021, there was no change in the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overall, but increases were seen among adults aged ≥75 years, those in micropolitan counties, and among current or former smokers, according to a research published in the Nov. 17 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report.

Dr. Yong Liu, of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and colleagues evaluated trends and differences in the prevalence of physician-diagnosed COPD among US adults using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2011 to 2021.

The researchers observed no significant changes in age-standardized COPD prevalence from 2011 to 2021 (6.1 to 6.0 percent). For most states and subgroups, prevalence was stable; However, among adults aged 18 to 44 years, prevalence decreased significantly (average annual percentage change (AAPC), −2.0 percent) and increased significantly among those aged 75 years and older, those living in micropolitan counties, and among current or former smokers. (AAPC, 1.3, 0.8, 1.5 and 1.2 percent, respectively).

Among women, adults ≥65 years, those with lower educational attainment, those unable to work, those living in rural areas, and those who ever smoked, COPD prevalence remained high.

“Strategies can be tailored to address prevention of COPD-related risk factors and the needs of adults disproportionately affected by COPD, including people aged ≥75 years, ever smokers, and rural residents.” “, write the authors.