Workshop for research protocol development in COPD

Workshop for research protocol development in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) was held by INDEPTH NETWORK from 12th to 14th January 2009.

Workshop for research protocol development in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was held by INDEPTH NETWORK from 12th to 14th January 2009.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic disease of the lungs that is associated with destruction of the distal lung units where gas exchange occurs. In addition, COPD is associated with a narrowing of the airway which is  not only difficult to revert back to normal, but may also progresses over time. It is caused by an abnormal inflammatory response in the lungs following inhalation of toxic gases and particles, in particular tobacco smoke and indoor and outdoor air pollutants.

Although current estimates suggest that COPD is one of the major global health problems, there is lack of awareness about this disease, especially in developing countries. A large number of COPD patients remain undiagnosed and when diagnosed, many remain under-treated or wrongly treated. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of information on the prevalence of the disease and its impact on quality of life and health care costs. Also, there is lack of awareness about indoor air pollutants as a major risk factor for COPD amongst medical professionals, health care professionals, policy makers as well as the general population.

The aim of this workshop is to discuss the study proposal to determine the prevalence, risk factors, health and economic impacts of COPD in African and Asian countries within the INDEPTH HDSS Network sites.