Impact of COPD on Working Age People
Author Information
Author(s): Monica J Fletcher, Jane Upton, Judith Taylor-Fishwick, Sonia A Buist, Christine Jenkins, John Hutton, Neil Barnes, Thys Van Der Molen, John W Walsh, Paul Jones, Samantha Walker
Primary Institution: Education for Health, Warwick, UK
Hypothesis
What is the personal, economic, and societal burden of COPD on a working-age population?
Conclusion
COPD significantly affects the personal, economic, and societal aspects of life for working-age individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- 64% of participants had moderate or severe COPD.
- 75% reported at least one comorbid condition.
- Quality of life decreased with the severity of COPD.
- The average annual healthcare cost per individual was estimated at $2,364.
Takeaway
COPD makes it hard for people to work and live well, costing them money and affecting their health.
Methodology
A cross-country cross-sectional survey was conducted with participants aged 45-67 who had a physician diagnosis of COPD.
Potential Biases
Differences in recruitment methods may have influenced the characteristics of the participants.
Limitations
The varied participant recruitment methods limit generalization across a broader COPD population.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 45-67, with a mix of genders and varying disease severity across six countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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