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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Robert Cohen, MD¹, Diana P. Hackbarth, RN, Phd², Jeanine M. Solinski, MPP³, Rhonda Williams, MES³, Christa McKee⁴, Kristen Donnelly, MPH³, and Lori Younker⁵. (1) Department of Cardiopulmonary Physiology & Rehabilitation, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, 1969 W. Ogden Ave, 2nd Floor, Clinic T, Chicago, IL 60612, (2) Loyola University Chicago School of Nursing, 6525 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60625, (3) Programs and Policy, American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago, 1440 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607, 312-628-0235, jsolinski@alamc.org, (4) Special Projects, American Lung Association of Illinois, 1749 S. Naperville Road, Suite 202, Wheaton, IL 60187, (5) Programs, American Lung Association of Illinois, 3000 Kelly Lane, Springfield, IL 62707

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States and will shortly become the 3rd leading cause of death. Fewer than half of COPD cases are detected. It is surprising that COPD receives little attention from the public health community. Early diagnosis using spirometry combined with smoking cessation or removal from exposure can significantly slow the progression of the disease. A year-long public health study of free spirometry testing to assess the prevalence of COPD in Cook and surrounding counties was implemented. We also evaluated the efficacy of community based spirometry performed by volunteer respiratory therapists.

We screened 1,771 individuals between June and November of 2005. We estimate that 3,000 study participants will be studied by March of 2006. Results through November 2005 show 20% of subjects were current smokers, 38% former smokers, 40% non-smokers, and 2% gave no smoking history. Preliminary analysis of 972 subjects through August 2005 showed 69% of the studies were interpretable using American Thoracic Society criteria. 10% of participants had obstructive lung disease - 6% early obstruction, 2% mild obstruction, and 2% moderate obstruction. In addition, we found a 6% rate of restriction and a 4% rate of non-specific defects, which is most likely related to obesity.

Preliminary results show that spirometry can be performed reliably in a community setting. A significant percentage of people with early stage COPD may be identified and be more responsive to interventions that could slow the progression of their disease.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Describe 3 factors needed to replicate spirometry in a community setting
• Discuss the importance of early detection of COPD
• Discuss the prevalence of obstructive disease in a community based study

Keywords: Chronic Diseases,

Related Web page: www.freelungtest.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation