Aim of the study. To assess the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a sample of working population from the Skopje region and to present its distribution by sex, age, workplace, and smoking status.

Methods. A cross-sectional study including 1,867 workers from the Skopje region was performed in the period 2018-2021. The study sample was divided in two groups, i.e. workers with and without occupational exposure to vapors, gases, dusts, and fumes (VGDF). The study protocol included completion of a questionnaire and spirometric measurements (pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry). 

Results. COPD prevalence in the whole study sample was 3.9%, being significantly higher in exposed than in non exposed workers (4.7% vs. 2.4%), with no significant difference between males and females in both groups. Statistically significant difference was found in exposed workers with duration of exposure longer than 20 years as compared to those with shorter duration of exposure (6.0 vs. 3,2%). COPD prevalence in smoking participants was significantly higher than in non smoking participants of the whole working population, as well as in both exposed and unexposed workers. The highest COPD prevalence in exposed group was registered in construction workers (10.5%), professional drivers (9.6%), and textile workers (9.5%).

Conclusion. Our findings indicate the importance of occupational exposure to VGDF and tobacco smoke in the COPD development. In addition, our findings indicate a need of improvement of preventive activities targeted to these factors in order to reduce the burden of COPD in working population.