Prevalence and Risk Factors of COPD: A Scoping Review From 2011 to 2021

Abstract

The aim of this review was to document the recently reported prevalence and risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the last ten years. A scoping review of studies released between 2011 and 2021 was done. The main findings on selected studies’ prevalence and risk factors were summarised. Thirty-seven studies in total were chosen. The overall data on COPD prevalence was 1.3-36.7%, and the average incidence rate was 9.1%. The risk factors of COPD prevalence were identified as unchangeable risk factors (gender, age, family history of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and environmental temperature and humidity) and changeable risk factors (outdoor and indoor air pollution, cigarette smoking, occupational exposure, low education, low household income, obesity, underweight, physical inactivity, and cooking method). The highest changeable risk factors were cigarette smoking, indoor air pollution, and occupational exposure. In contrast, the lowest changeable risk factors were physical inactivity and cooking methods. Changeable risk factors significantly increase COPD risks. The COPD caused by household emissions from biofuel cooking in low-income rural areas deserves attention. Emphasis on healthy lifestyle interventions and economic and educational policies to reduce environmental impacts may prevent COPD.