title: Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among stable chronic disease subjects in primary care in Trinidad, West Indies.
abstract: The prevalence of COPD in the Caribbean is uncertain. Spirometric indices were assessed at chronic disease clinics in 353 subjects (African, 66; East Indian, 198; 109 male), mean age 56.51 years (non-COPD) vs 59.30 years (COPD). 77 (21.8%) patients had COPD. 33.3% of COPD subjects had chronic cough vs 19.7% of subjects without COPD. A history of at least one chest infection was related to low FEV1 (P=0.005). In subjects presenting with vascular disease the FVC was reduced when compared to other subjects. Prevalence of COPD is 21.8%. A history of chest infections is related to decreased FEV1%.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago;
authors.forename: Peterson
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Thorington
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rios
authors.forename: Gina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Avila
authors.forename: Josia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Henry
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Haynes
authors.forename: Lexley M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Pinto Pereira
authors.forename: Terence Ar
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Seemungal