Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Trends and Associated Factors Among Patients at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Ishaka Bushenyi.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Despite efforts to reduce the morbidity and mortality that results from COPD through anti-smoking campaigns and other measures, the prevalence of COPD has been noted to be still high, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Another worrying trend is the increase in COPD prevalence in females and people of younger ages as was previously the case. So many factors can be attributed to this and the researchers set out to find out the prevalence and factors associated with COPD at KIUTH. Objective: To assess factors associated with COPD among medical patients at Kampala International University Teaching and Research Hospital, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Western Uganda. Method: A descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional study design was used with 163 study participants. Results: Prevalence of COPD (16%) was high compared to the global estimates, with more women affected than men. Advancing age, exposure to cigarette smoke and biofuels were found to be statistically significant in as far as COPD was concerned. Conclusion: The prevalence of COPD among medical patients at KIUTH is high with the prevalence being higher among females than males, with COPD being seen in younger males as well as the old. Advancing age, exposure to cigarette smoke and biofuels were found significant as factors in COPD. The prevalence and trend shift are matter of concern that warrant interventional measures.