title: Determinants of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Chinese patients in Hong Kong.
abstract: 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.
authors: Respiratory Division, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. mmwchan@hkucc.hku.hk
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Chan-Yeung
authors: A S S
authors: AS
authors: Ho
authors: A H K
authors: AH
authors: Cheung
authors: R W T
authors: RW
authors: Liu
authors: W K S
authors: WK
authors: Yee
authors: K M
authors: KM
authors: Sin
authors: M M L
authors: MM
authors: Wong
authors: C W
authors: CW
authors: Lam
authors: K S
authors: KS
authors: Chan
authors: W K
authors: WK
authors: Lam
mesh_terms: 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