Determinants of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Chinese patients in Hong Kong.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is rising in many parts of the world. This is a study of risk factors for COPD in Chinese patients in Hong Kong.


METHODS
Case-control study matched by sex and age (+/-5 years).


METHODS
A total of 289 consecutive patients with COPD were recruited from out-patient clinics while healthy controls were recruited from two sources: random population and community centres for senior citizens. All patients and controls underwent a questionnaire-based interview and spirometry.


RESULTS
The mean ages of COPD patients and controls were 71.1 +/- 9.4 and 67.5 +/- 9.3 years, respectively. The male to female ratio of COPD patients was 5 to 1. Smoking was found to be the most important determinant for COPD, followed by poor education and low body mass index adjusted for confounders. A dose-dependent relationship was found between the risk of COPD and pack-years smoked. Place of birth, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and a history of asthma and tuberculosis were not associated with increased risk of COPD.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite a progressive reduction in prevalence, smoking remains the most important predictor of COPD in Hong Kong. Greater anti-smoking efforts are warranted.
Chan-Yeung
M
M
Respiratory Division, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. mmwchan@hkucc.hku.hk
Ho
A S S
AS
Cheung
A H K
AH
Liu
R W T
RW
Yee
W K S
WK
Sin
K M
KM
Wong
M M L
MM
Lam
C W
CW
Chan
K S
KS
Lam
W K
WK
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044466:Asian People; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors