Prevalence of chronic obstructive lung disease in Bolu province of Turkey

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is increasingly recognized as a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate COPD prevalence in Bolu province of Turkey. Adult population over 35 living in central Bolu was enrolled to the study. They were selected according to random methods based on regional inhabitant listings. 500 adult persons were finally enrolled to the study. Of 500, 285 (57%) were males and 215 (43%) were females. Spirometry was evaluated according to GOLD criteria. COPD prevalence was found as 8.6% (n:43). GOLD Stage distribution of COPD cases were as follows: None was in mild stage. 34.9%, 41.9% and 23.3% of COPD patients was in moderate, severe and very severe stage,spectively. 97.7% of COPD patients had a smoking history. COPD prevalence was 9.82% (n:28) in male COPD patients, and 6.9% (n:15) in female patients. In conclusion, COPD is an important public health problem in central Bolu province.