Prevalence and factors associated with respiratory symptoms in an urban population: findings from BOLD study in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract Background Our study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of respiratory symptoms (RS) in an adult population aged ≥ 40 years in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods A population based cross-sectional study was conducted. Multi-stage cluster random sampling technique was used to enroll 1052 participants. Questionnaire based on the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study protocol was used to assess chronic cough, chronic phlegm, wheezing and shortness of breath (SOB). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the risk factors associated with RS. Results The overall weighted prevalence of RS in our study was; chronic cough: 12%, chronic phlegm: 11.8%, wheezing in last 12 months: 11.5%, and shortness of breath (SOB): 30.4%. Increasing age and ever smoker were significant risk factors for all RS. Females had higher risk of chronic cough. Lower level of education and higher BMI were associated with wheezing and SOB. Exposure to passive smoking was found to be significant risk factor for SOB. Conclusion We found a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms among adult population in Karachi, specifically about one-third of the population had shortness of breath (SOB). Certain preventable risk factors were identified. These modifiable risk factors can be addressed by targeted public health and educational interventions in order to reduce the burden of respiratory symptoms.