INCIDENCE TREND OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is associated with high morbidity and complications, decreased quality of life, increasing mortality. The objective of the paper was to determine incidence trends of COPD in the population of the Nisava District from 2002 to 2014. The descriptive study was used. Data about new cases of COPD were extracted from the Population Registry of COPD for the population of the Nisava District. Data about population originated from Censuses 2002 and 2011. Crude incidence, age, and gender specific rates were calculated per 100 000 inhabitants. Trend lines were estimated using linear regression. The total number of registered new cases were 7527 (4575 in males and 2952 in females). The average annual new cases was 627 and the annual average crude incidence rate was 164.3/100 000 inhabitants. The lowest annual incidence rate was in 2014 (36.7/100 000) and the highest one was in 2006 (232.6/100 000). Males represent 61 % and females 39 %. Females were significantly older than males (78.5 ± 2.0 vs 81.4 ± 1.8, p < 0.001). Patients older than 50 years of age represent 86% of all registered patients. Incidence rate increased with age. Incidence trend rapidly decreased in 2014 both in males and females; in males: y = 3.874x + 160.3, R2 = 0.038, in females: y = 0.631x+112.5, R2 = 0.002. There were 1.6 more new cases of COPD in males than in females but females were older compared with males. COPD wasn't common before the age of 40 and incidence increased with age. Under reporting and under registration of new cases of COPD was observed.