12-month prevalence of known chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Germany

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a high disease burden and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Smoking is the key modifiable risk factor for COPD in Germany. GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS surveyed the 12-month prevalence of known COPD using the European indicator on self-reported chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema. Among adults aged 18 years or older with complete information on the indicator (n=22,702), the 12-month prevalence of known COPD is 5.8% (5.8% for women and 5.7% for men). In both genders, the prevalence increases strongly with age. Overall, the presence of COPD was more often reported by women and men with a low educational level than by those with a higher one. In a comparison of federal states, the 12-month prevalence of known COPD varies between 3.6% and 7.5% for women and 4.3% and 11.2% for men.