Factors Associated with Acute Exacerbation Among COPD Patients Leading to Visit Emergency Room of Banhong Hospital, Lamphun Province

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) stands as the third leading global cause of mortality. Banhong Hospital contends with an alarming 160% acute exacerbation rate, incurring substantial treatment costs, diminished quality of life, and heightened mortality risk. Objective: To study the risk factors that associated with acute exacerbation among COPD patients leading to visit emergency room. Method: A case-control study was conducted on COPD patients visiting the emergency room due to acute exacerbation (AECOPD) were compared with no exacerbation from January 1^st to June 30^th, 2022. A sample of 30 individuals in each group was selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected through interviews from August 1^st to December 31^st, 2022, and analyzed using logistic regression. Result: Statistically significant factors associated with AECOPD by multivariate logistic regression method was only severity as GOLD C up (adjOR 57.85,  95% CI 3.10 - 1080.09, p – value .007), by univariate method included inappropriate perception of disease (adjOR 13.5, 95% CI 3.33 – 54.67, p – value < .001), respiratory infections (adjOR 11.77, 95% CI 2.92 – 47.46, p – value .001), improper inhaler technique (adjOR 10.55, 95% CI 1.22 – 90.66, p – value .032), inability to avoid triggers (adjOR 5.70, 95% CI 1.72 – 18.94, p – value .004), perception of disease as moderate level up (adjOR 5.55, 95% CI 1.84 – 17.49, p – value .003), and inadequate awareness of the frequency of emergency bronchodilator use (adjOR 4.03, 95% CI 1.37 – 11.84, p – value .011). Conclusion: The factors associated with AECOPD that should be modifiable included inappropriate perception of disease, improper inhaler technique, inability to avoid triggers, and inadequate awareness of the frequency of using emergency bronchodilators.