The prevalence of chronic bronchitis in adults living in the center of Gumushane

Introduction: Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are major components of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of chronic bronchitis 20 years and over living in the center of Gumushane and to analyze the risk factors. Materials and Methods: The study is targeted to reach 373 people who represent the center of Gumushane, 368 (98.6%) people have been reached. Participants were filled modified version of the questionnaire created by the Medical Research Council by face-to-face interview technique. Results: The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was 14.1%. The average age was in the chronic bronchitis group and nonchronic bronchitis group was respectively 43.2 +/- 12.9, 39.3 +/- 11.6, and the differance was statistically significant (p<0.05). Considering the relationship between cigarette smoking with chronic bronchitis, it was more frequent in smokers than nonsmokers (p<0.001, OR 4.74, 95% CI 2.47-9.17). Chronic bronchitis was observed in passive smokers than in non-smokers (p=0.004, OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.36-6.03). Occupational exposure to dust, fumes and history of childhood pulmonary diseases were increased chronic bronchitis prevalence (respectively, p<0.001, OR 9.53, 95% CI 4.56-19.94; p<0.001, OR 12.14, 95% CI 5.87-25.12). Male gender, low income level and to warm up with stove were found statistically significant by univariate logistic regression analysis but these risk factors were not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Educational level was not found statistically significant in both analysis (p>0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was 14.1% in 20 years and older adults living in the center of Gumushane. Old age (especially over the age of 50), active or passive smoking, occupational history of dust, fumes and history of childhood pulmonary diseases were found to be risk factors for chronic bronchitis.