Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; prevalence and associated risk factors in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating and complex disease with an underlying pathology such as asthma. We set out to systematically review existing published research on the prevalence and risk factor of COPD conducted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We performed a systematic search in PubMed and Scopus to identify relevant articles. Search limits using the Medical Subject Headings terms were restricted to studies conducted between 2007 and 2016, mainly focussing on the UAE population (both citizens and expatriates). The review yielded eight studies about the 'prevalence and risk factors' of COPD in the UAE, including cross-sectional studies (n = 6), observational population-based study (n = 1) and a prospective, multi-centre, multinational study (n = 1). The COPD prevalence in the studies reviewed ranged from 3.7% to 5.3%. Smoking, male gender, outdoor and indoor air quality, for example, purposely smelling gasoline fumes or car exhaust were the most frequently observed COPD risk factors. COPD is not only a major health concern for health-care bodies but it is also a leading contributor of disability and reduced quality of life in communities worldwide. The study suggests that COPD requires regular follow-up, education and holistic care. Medication compliance with precise focus on using the correct inhaler method is recommended. Longitudinal studies in the future are needed to investigate the determinants and prognosis of this condition.