Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a major health concern in the U.S., with smoking as its leading risk factor. Understanding the role of demographic and socioeconomic factors is crucial for targeted public health strategies. AIM: This study investigated the link between smoking and self-reported COPD among U.S. adults, also assessing the impact of demographic variables (age, gender, and race) and socioeconomic variables (education and income) on this association. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The outcome variable was self-reported COPD status, and the main exposure was smoking status (Yes/No). Control variables included age, gender, race, education level, and annual income. Statistical analyses included cross-tabulations, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate associations. RESULTS: Smokers had significantly higher odds of reporting COPD compared to non-smokers (OR: 3.879; 95% CI: 3.7809-3.9792). The strongest associations were seen in individuals aged 45-64 years (OR: 5.241) and females (OR: 4.337). White non-Hispanic smokers had the highest odds among racial groups (OR: 4.118). Smokers with lower education levels (OR: 3.059) and incomes below $50,000 (OR: 3.103) also showed elevated odds of reporting COPD. CONCLUSION: Smoking is strongly associated with self-reported COPD across demographic and socioeconomic groups. The findings highlight increased risk among middle-aged adults, females, White non-Hispanic individuals, and those with lower income and education. Public health efforts should prioritize cessation programs tailored to these high-risk populations.