Central Data Catalog

Background: Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRD) especially asthma and COPD are global health problems. Although the majority of deaths and disability from CRD occur in LMICs, the true burden of CRD is unclear. Widely used questionnaire-based tools have poor sensitivity and specificity, and the use of spirometry in the community is challenging.

Aim: To estimate the burden of CRD (Asthma and COPD) in adults in Asian LMICs.

Method: We undertook a community-based survey at five sites in four countries [Bangladesh (1); India (2); Malaysia (1); Pakistan (1)] using random sampling strategies, questionnaire (adapted from BOLD informed by our scoping review) and quality-assured spirometry. We made a provisional diagnosis of asthma, COPD or other CRD based on questionnaire/spirometry data (using a 70% fixed ratio for obstruction). Chest physicians at respective sites, examined participants with CRD symptoms and/or abnormal spirometry to reach a clinical diagnosis.

Result: 508 participants were surveyed. 51.4% reported chronic respiratory symptoms. Based on the provisional diagnosis, the prevalence of asthma, COPD and other CRD was 18.7%, 10.4%, and 21.2%. Based on clinicians’ diagnosis prevalence of asthma, COPD and other CRD was 18.8%, 13.3%, and 7.7%. Analysis of concordance and discordance between provisional and clinical diagnosis is in progress.

Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of asthma, COPD and other CRD in four LMICs. Our data will facilitate refinement of clinical algorithms for making a diagnosis of asthma, COPD and other CRD in readiness for a fully powered survey in these four countries.