Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and COPD, as well as the characteristics of this population in Aragon (Spain). DESIGN AND LOCATION: It is a cross-sectional epidemiological study in a population between 40 and 75 years of age. Subjects were randomly selected and stratified by age and sex using the data from the health card of the Aragonese Health Service. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1185 subjects agreed to participate. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: A sociodemographic questionnaire and spirometry before and after bronchodilator test. The diagnosis of COPD was made according to the criteria of the GOLD guide (FEV1/FVC<0.7). RESULTS: COPD prevalence was 10.4%, 16.9% in men and 5.7% in women. Respiratory symptoms appeared in 58% of the general population. There was a higher prevalence of COPD in women than in other studies. Factors associated with developing COPD were, being male, increasing age, smoking more, and a lower education. More than three-quarters (78.9%) of COPD were not diagnosed. Diagnosis was associated with, being older, more smoking more, more severe COPD or poorer quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of COPD and the significant level of underdiagnoses lead to believe that early diagnosis of this disease is still a pending issue. New strategies need to be developed to resolve this problem.