Spatial distribution of COPD in a rural population in India using geographic information system (GIS)

GIS mapping is a useful tool to study the spatial distribution of diseases and examine their association with geographic risk factors. Aim: We used GIS to determine spatial distribution of COPD in 22 rural villages spread across an area of 232 km 2 , and study the association between proximity to highways and prevalence of COPD. Methods: 3,592 randomly selected individuals were administered a respiratory health questionnaire and underwent pre and post bronchodilator spirometry (ndd Spirometer) according to the ATS/ERS standards. COPD was defined as post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC Results: A significant cluster of COPD subjects were found residing 500m from the highway had a higher prevalence of COPD and this was strongly associated with the use of biomass fuel [OR: 1.46 (CI: 1.06-2.0); p Conclusion: Residing 500m from the highway and this was significantly associated with the use of biomass fuel.