Rural Residence and COPD Exacerbations: Analysis of the SPIROMICS Cohort.
Publication Title
Ann Am Thorac Soc
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-27-2018
Abstract
RATIONALE: Rural residence is associated with poor outcomes in several chronic diseases. The association between rural residence and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the independent association between rural residence and COPD-related outcomes including COPD exacerbations, airflow obstruction and symptom burden.
METHODS: A total of 1684 Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study (SPIROMICS) participants with FEV1/FVC
RESULTS: Rural residence was independently associated with 70% increase in odds of total exacerbations [OR 1.70 (95% CI 1.13-2.56); p=0.012] and 46% higher incidence rate of total exacerbations [IRR 1.46 (95% CI 1.02-2.10); p=0.039]. There was no association between rural residence and severe exacerbations. Agricultural occupation was independently associated with increased odds and incidence of total and severe exacerbations. Inclusion of agricultural occupation to analysis attenuated the association between rural residence and odds and incidence rate of total exacerbations [OR 1.52 (95% CI 1.00-2.32; p=0.05) and IRR 1.39 (95% CI 0.97 - 1.99); p=0.07]. There was no difference in symptoms or airflow obstruction between rural and urban participants.
CONCLUSIONS: Rural residence is independently associated with increased odds and incidence of total, but not severe COPD exacerbations. These associations are not fully explained by agriculture-related exposures, highlighting the need for future research into potential mechanisms of increased risk of COPD exacerbations in the rural population.
Specialty/Research Institute
Pulmonary Medicine
Specialty/Research Institute
Population Health
Comments
Allison Lambert is affiliated with Providence St. Joseph Health.