Prevalence and Disparities in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and its Related Health-Care Utilization Among Kansans- 2011 Kansas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

BACKGROUND: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, refers to a group of lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause airflow blockage and makes it difficult to breathe. It is one of the leading causes of death in Kansas. Before 2011, data on COPD related health-care utilization among those with COPD were not available. This information was collected for the first time in Kansas through 2011 Kansas BRFSS.  

OBJECTIVE: To provide status of COPD and its related health-care utilization in Kansas.

METHODS:  Data from the 2011 Kansas BRFSS were analyzed to assess burden of COPD in various population subgroups. Also the percentage of Kansans utilizing health care for COPD was examined. Question to determine COPD status and five additional questions for those who had COPD were asked to assess the COPD related health-care utilization. Age was standardized to the 2000 U.S. population, and prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Data were weighted using the new raking method. SAS 9.3 software was used for analysis.

RESULTS: An estimated 133,134 (6.2%) adults reported having COPD. Higher prevalence of COPD was seen among older adults, females, among those who were divorced or separated, have lower income, have lower education and among adults that were unable to work. COPD was also high among current cigarette smokers, among adults with current asthma, and diabetes, those who did not participate in any physical activity and those living with a disability. About one in three adults (29.7%) who had COPD were not diagnosed with a breathing test. About half of the adults with COPD (46.9%) take at least one medication daily. One in three adults (32.4%) had seen a physician due to COPD symptoms in the last 12 months. About 13% visited a hospital or emergency department for COPD in the last 12 months. About 69% adults with COPD felt that COPD symptoms negatively affect their quality of life. 

CONCLUSIONS: COPD is a prevalent health issue in Kansas. Disparities are also seen with respect to various socio-demographic sub groups and among those with other chronic diseases and disability. About one third adults with COPD were not diagnosed with an easy to perform breathing test. Two out of three adults with COPD felt that COPD symptoms negatively affect their quality of life. These population based survey results indicated the need of public health strategies to address issues related to COPD and its treatment among Kansas adults.