Abstract:
Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive chronic lung
disease characterized by air flow limitation and destruction of lung parenchyma which is not
fully reversible. Estimated global prevalence of COPD was 11.7% which is nearly similar to the
Sri Lankan COPD prevalence of 10.5%. “COPD exacerbations” define as an acute worsening of
respiratory symptoms of COPD patients. Exacerbations are the most common cause of hospital
admissions and deaths among COPD patients.
Objectives: To evaluate the factors associated with exacerbations among COPD patients who
attend Central Chest Clinic Borella.
Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected
sample of 150 patients using pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was
analysed using descriptive statistics and chi square test.
Results: Out of 150 COPD patients, 66.7% were males and most were 50-69 years of age.
Majority (84%) of the participants were married and (66%) currently engaged in paid
occupation. Seventy four percent (n=111) of the participants had experienced episodes of
exacerbations and of them 109 patients received inward treatments. Presence of any other
respiratory disease (p=0.019), poor compliance to medication (p=0.009), presence of paddy
fields near the residence (p=0.04), use of biomass fuel for cooking (p=0.001) were associated
with exacerbation of COPD. Sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, civil status, BMI,
smoking, alcohol consumption, exposure to occupational hazards, burning waste, outdoor air
pollution, co morbidities were not significantly associated with exacerbation of COPD.
Conclusions: Majority of the COPD patients had experienced episodes of exacerbations and
received the inward treatments. Other respiratory conditions, poor drug compliance, residence
nearby paddy fields and use of biomass fuel at home were associated with the exacerbations.
