INTRODUCTION-AIM

In this study, we aimed to investigate the social determinants of health(SDH) and the effects of health inequalities caused by these determinants on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) severity.

METHOD

The patients who applied to our department between 01.09.2020-01.09.2021 and followed up with the diagnosis of COPD were included in the study.The characteristics of the cases such as comorbidity,smoking exposure,educational status,income level and occupational social class were compared with multivariate logistic regression analysis models in terms of frequent exacerbation risk and perception of dyspnea.

RESULTS

Of the 167 cases included in the study,41.9% of the cases experienced frequent exacerbations in the last 1 year and 63.5% of them had high-intensity dyspnea perception(Modified Medical Research Council).

The risk of frequent exacerbations in the last 1 year increased 11 times(95%CI:2.6-48.8) as the educational status deteriorated,12 times(95%CI:3-45.6)as the social class worsened,21 times as the economic level worsened(%95CI:5,8-76,8).

The risk of having a high perception of dyspnea was increased 11 times by worsening educational status(%95CI:3-45,5),worsening economic situation by 11 times(%95CI:3,1-36,3) and worsening social class by 28 times(%95CI:6,6-121,6).98.2%of the cases were using at least one bronchodilator treatment.

DISCUSSION-CONCLUS?ON

This study suggested that socioeconomic differences should be examined first among the risk factors that increase the severity of COPD.National and international disease prevention strategies should be determined to eliminate each risk factor of COPD especially SDH and inequalities in health.