Smoking and socio-economic factors linked to acute exacerbations of COPD: analysis from an Asthma + Lung UK survey

ABSTRACT Understanding the factors driving acute exacerbations of COPD is key to reducing their impact on human health and wellbeing. 5997 patients, mean 66 years, 64% female, completed an online survey between December 2020 and May 2021 about living with COPD developed by the charity Asthma+Lung UK. The 3731(62.2%) reporting frequent(≥2/year) exacerbations were more likely to smoke (AOR 1.70, 95%CI 1.470-1.98), have lower annual household income (≤£20,000, (AOR: 1.72, 1.36-2.17), live in a cold and damp home (AOR: 1.78, 1.50-2.11), and report previous occupational exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals. Strategies to improve COPD outcomes must address issues of social justice.