Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding occupational COPD among the pulmonologists and other physicians

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be work-related. It is estimated that working in exposure to dust and irritant gases is responsible for 10 to 20% cases of COPD. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding occupational COPD among the pulmonologists and other physicians in Poland. Methods: A study was carried out using a pretested questionnaire. The study group included 145 physicians (together with 94 pulmonologists), who filled the questionnaire concerning information about occupational COPD. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistica 8.0. Results: Knowledge regarding occupational COPD issues among physicians was insufficient. More than a half of the pulmonologists correctly described environmental risk factors of COPD, while only 23.4% could define precisely occupational risk factors of COPD. Less than 60% pulmonologists routinely ask COPD patients about occupation and workplace exposure. 39.4%pulmonologists have referred the patients with suspicion of occupational COPD for further diagnostics, however 60% did not have knowledge about certification regulations covering recognition of occupational diseases, e.g. the knowledge of places were the patient should be referred to. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that there is need of increasing pulmonologists9 and other physicians9 knowledge in the field of occupational COPD.