title: Set-up and pilot of a population cohort for the study of the natural history of COPD and OSA: the PULSAIB study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We describe the set-up of a population-based study focussed on respiratory conditions, and describe a pilot study - the PULmons SAns Illes Balears (PULSAIB) study - aimed at investigating the natural history of COPD, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and other common chronic diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was designed to survey two fieldwork areas, one rural and one urban, in the Balearic Islands, Spain. Tests conducted included a questionnaire, spirometry with post-bronchodilator (PBD) test, and portable respiratory polygraphy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We assessed all processes and tools to be used, and piloted them in 175 participants from Bunyola (rural) and 130 participants from the Son Pizà area (urban). Within this first cross-sectional assessment of the Balearic population aged 30 to 80 years, we report the prevalence of airflow limitation defined as a PBD FEV1/FVC ratio <0.7 and the prevalence of OSA defined as an apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) >10/hour.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A cohort study in the Balearic population to investigate the natural history of COPD and OSA is feasible.
authors.affiliation: Program of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, CIMERA, Fundación Caubet-Cimera Illes Balears, Bunyola, Mallorca, Spain. jbsoriano@caubet-cimera.es
authors.forename: Joan B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Soriano
authors.forename: Aina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yáñez
authors.forename: Feliu
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Renom
authors.forename: Mónica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de la Peña
authors.forename: Amalia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gómez
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Duro
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Uréndez
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Román
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012737:Sex Factors; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D013147:Spirometry