Abstract
Aim:
To evaluate the feasibility of a lifestyle program for early intervention in patients with COPD in a primary care population.
Methods:
The study was performed in a Primary Health Care Centre in Western Sweden. During a four-week period, all smokers between 40-70 years of age were invited to answer a questionnaire and to perform spirometry. The intervention program included a specially designed smoking cessation program and programs for physical activity and diet.
Results:
84 smokers were included. 42% fulfilled the criteria for COPD. All of the COPD patients were in GOLD stage I and II. Among the COPD subjects, 38% were underweight and 56% had a low fat-free mass — both together indicating malnutrition and the need for nutritional treatment. By the end of the intervention program, 47% of the COPD patients had stopped smoking.
Conclusions:
The intervention program was feasible and effective with a very high smoking cessation rate.
Keywords: primary health care, spirometry, smoking cessation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, physical activity, diet
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Footnotes
The authors declare no conflict of interest.