Bayis Ilh Tus - A Strong Breath: Community-Based Research to Identify the Prevalence of and Contributors to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Remote and Rural First Nations Communities in British Columbia

Background. First Nations peoples in Canada carry an increased respiratory health burden compared to non-First Nations. They are often exposed to high rates of indoor air pollution and cigarette smoke; and although there is a high use of acute health care services for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), this disease is not "on the radar" in many First Nations communities. This may be because there is little accurate information of how many First Nations people have COPD, especially in remote and rural areas. The current estimates of prevalence of COPD in First Nations are based on self-report surveys, which are known to underestimate the true number threefold. Although it is well-known that cigarette smoking causes COPD, there has been less attention paid to the contribution of residential, historical/community/cultural, and occupational factors to the burden of COPD in First Nations people.

Goal & Aims of the Study. The goal of this study is to estimate the burden of COPD in remote and rural First Nations communities. This project is a partnership between the University of British Columbia (UBC), Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS), and 13 First Nations communities in northern BC.

Aim 1: Estimate the prevalence of COPD and the magnitude of underdiagnosis. Aim 2: Characterize the relationship between inhaled pollutants (from residential, occupational, and community/cultural sources) and: 1) symptoms; 2) airflow obstruction; and; 3) health care utilization.

The Primary Outcome is the prevalence of COPD.

Methodology. The investigators will recruit adults from randomly-selected households in 13 First Nations communities in northern BC. The investigators will collect detailed measurements of lung function, symptoms, self-reported exposure to lung irritants, and healthcare use. The investigators will also collect indoor air quality measures from homes and community buildings. For Aim 1, the prevalence and underdiagnosis of COPD will be estimated by measuring lung function using post-bronchodilator spirometry and comparing the presence of airflow obstruction with the diagnosis of COPD in the electronic health record. For Aim 2, the investigators will explore the relationship between inhaled indoor air pollutants and 1) current cough, wheeze, and dyspnea; 2) airflow obstruction; and 3) respiratory-related primary care visits or hospitalization, adjusting for age, sex, and smoking history.