Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Prevalence of COPD is significantly high globally with a large number of undiagnosed individuals. This study compared health outcomes among US adults diagnosed with COPD, those at risk of developing COPD, and not at risk.
METHODS: Data were used from the US 2024 National Health and Wellness Survey (cross-sectional, nationally representative general population survey of adults age ≥18 years). Diagnosed COPD included anyone diagnosed with COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. Could It Be COPD scale was used to identify those unaware of their risk of developing COPD (score≥3). Patient reported outcomes included the RAND-36 and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) scale. Results were weighted using the Current Population Survey estimates.
RESULTS: Of the total participants (n=75,013), 5.9% reported COPD diagnosis, 18.5% were at risk, and 75.6% were not at-risk (score<3). Diagnosed COPD adults were older compared to those at risk (56.6 vs. 51.3 years). At risk patients had more males (55% vs. 46% for diagnosed). History of ever smoking was equal between the two groups (72%), while 40% of at-risk adults currently smoke (vs. 34% of diagnosed). Diagnosed patients had the lowest PHC score (35.7) vs. at risk (39.9) vs. not at risk (47.9). MHC scores showed a similar pattern: diagnosed had the lowest (38.1) vs. at risk (39.4) vs. not at risk (46.0). Diagnosed patients had the highest overall work impairment and activity impairment, followed by those at risk, which were higher than those not at risk.
CONCLUSIONS: One in five adults in the US could be at risk for COPD. Diagnosed COPD patients had the worst health outcomes. At risk adults also had significantly poorer RAND-36 scores and greater WPAI compared to adults not at risk. Further evaluations by physicians can help qualify the risk and take necessary actions to address risk factors and proper treatment.