Respiratory symptoms and illness in older Australians: the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study

Toelle, Brett G., Xuan, Wei, Bird, Tessa E., Abramson, Michael J., Atkinson, David N., Burton, Deborah L., James, Alan L., Jenkins, Christine R., Johns, David P., Maguire, Graeme P., Musk, A.W. (Bill), Walters, E. Hayden, Wood-Baker, Richard, Hunter, Michael L., Graham, Bruce J., Southwell, Phillipa J., Vollmer, William M., Buist, A. Sonia, and Marks, Guy B. (2013) Respiratory symptoms and illness in older Australians: the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study. Medical Journal of Australia, 198 (3). pp. 144-148.

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Abstract

Objective: To measure the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among people aged 40 years or older in Australia.

Design, setting and participants: A cross-sectional study of people in the community aged ≥ 40 years, selected at random using electoral rolls, in six sites chosen to reflect the sociodemographic and geographic diversity of Australia, conducted between 2006 and 2010. Standardised questionnaires were administered by interview. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the FEV1/FVC ratio were measured by spirometry, before and after bronchodilator administration.

Main outcome measure: Prevalence of COPD, classified according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2006 criteria.

Results: Complete data were available for 1620 men (participation rate, 26%) and 1737 women (participation rate, 28%). The prevalence of GOLD Stage II or higher COPD (defined as post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio < 0.70 and FEV1 < 80% predicted) was 7.5% (95% CI, 5.7%–9.4%) among people aged ≥ 40 years, and 29.2% (95% CI, 18.1%–40.2%) among those aged ≥ 75 years. Among people aged ≥ 40 years, the prevalence of wheeze in the past 12 months was 30.0% (95% CI, 27.5%–32.5%), and prevalence of shortness of breath when hurrying on the level or climbing a slight hill was 25.2% (95% CI, 22.7%–27.6%).

Conclusions: Symptoms and spirometric evidence of COPD are common among people aged 40 years or older and increase with age. Further research is needed to better understand the diagnosis and management of COPD in Australia, along with continuing efforts to prevent the disease.

Item ID: 32253
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1326-5377
Funders: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Autralian Lung Foundation, Air Liquide, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Boehringer Ingelheim
Date Deposited: 31 Mar 2014 23:34
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111701 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health @ 50%
11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111717 Primary Health Care @ 50%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9203 Indigenous Health > 920302 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health - Health Status and Outcomes @ 50%
92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920204 Evaluation of Health Outcomes @ 50%
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