Abstract
Background: Many studies on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk factors have been based in high income countries and have given much focus on tobacco smoking. This study explored a wide range of COPD risk factors with a special focus on South Africa. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for COPD among patients visiting Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Medical Outpatients Department, Gauteng, South Africa. Methods: A quantitative case-control study with a ratio of 1:1 cases of COPD to controls and sample size of 540 (270 cases and 270 controls) was conducted at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. For each of the objectives, Crude odds ratios were performed using EPINFO 7.2, and Multivariate logistic regression analysis using SPSS Version 26 software. Results were reported as odds ratios (OR), adjusted odds (AOR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI)...
M.A. (Public Health)