COPD and Socioeconomic Status in China
Author Information
Author(s): Yin Peng, Zhang Mei, Li Yichong, Jiang Yong, Zhao Wenhua
Primary Institution: National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Is socioeconomic status an independent risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in China?
Conclusion
Socioeconomic status is a risk factor for self-reported physician-diagnosed COPD independently of current or passive smoking.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall prevalence of COPD was found to be 2.9%.
- Low educational attainment was associated with a significantly increased risk of COPD.
- Low household income was linked to higher COPD prevalence in urban areas.
Takeaway
People with less education and lower income are more likely to have COPD, even if they don't smoke.
Methodology
Data from the 2007 China Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.
Potential Biases
Self-reported diagnosis may lead to misclassification of COPD.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, making it difficult to infer causation, and it may underestimate COPD prevalence due to the upper age limit of participants.
Participant Demographics
49,363 subjects aged 15-69 years, with a near-equal distribution of males and females, and representation from urban and rural areas across China.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< 0.001
Confidence Interval
95%CI 1.32-2.13 for education; 95%CI 1.28-2.09 for income
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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