Employment and activity limitations among adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease--United States, 2013

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of progressive respiratory conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, characterized by airflow obstruction and symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, and sputum production. COPD is an important contributor to mortality and disability in the United States. Healthy People 2020 has several COPD-related objectives,* including to reduce activity limitations among adults with COPD. To assess the state-level prevalence of COPD and the association of COPD with various activity limitations among U.S. adults, CDC analyzed data from the 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Among U.S. adults in all 50 states, the District of Columbia (DC), and two U.S. territories, 6.4% (an estimated 15.7 million adults) had been told by a physician or other health professional that they have COPD. Adults who reported having COPD were more likely to report being unable to work (24.3% versus 5.3%), having an activity limitation caused by health problems (49.6% versus 16.9%), having difficulty walking or climbing stairs (38.4% versus 11.3%), or using special equipment to manage health problems (22.1% versus 6.7%), compared with adults without COPD. Smokers who have been diagnosed with COPD are encouraged to quit smoking, which can slow the progression of the disease and reduce mobility impairment. In addition, COPD patients should consider participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program that combines patient education and exercise training to address barriers to physical activity, such as respiratory symptoms and muscle wasting.

FIGURE 1

Age-adjusted prevalence* of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)^† among adults aged ≥18 years —Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States, 2013 * Age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population aged ≥18 years. ^† Based on a positive response to the question, “Have you ever been told by a doctor or health professional that you have COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis?”

FIGURE 2

Age-adjusted percentage* of adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)^† aged ≥18 years with activity limitations, by smoking^§ and physical activity^¶ status — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States, 2013 ^* Age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population aged ≥18 years. ^† Based on a positive response to the question, “Have you ever been told by a doctor or health professional that you have COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis?” ^§ Current smokers reported smoking ≥100 cigarettes in their life and currently smoking cigarettes some days or every day. Nonsmokers include former smokers and never smokers. ^¶ Respondents were categorized as engaging in physical activity if they answered “yes” to the question, “During the past month, other than your regular job, did you participate in any physical activities or exercises such as running, calisthenics, golf, gardening, or walking for exercise?” ^** 95% confidence interval. ^†† Respondents were categorized as having activity limitations if they answered “yes” to the question, “Are you limited in any way in any activities because of physical, mental, or emotional problems?”