Abstract
Epidemiological Profile of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in an Elderly Population in the Municipality of Caloto, Cauca
Author(s): Alfonsina Del Cristo MartÃÂnez*According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to a group of inflammatory lung diseases that reduce airflow to the lungs, affecting the small airways. This disease is a major health problem that causes airflow limitation and progressively advances. The main objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile in an elderly population from the municipality of Caloto, in the department of Cauca, Colombia in 2019. A quantitative, descriptive, crosssectional study was carried out. The study population consisted of older adults diagnosed with COPD and attended at the Nina Maria hospital in Caloto. The sample was obtained from the review of 158 clinical histories included in the database of the patients included in the program, in which different epidemiological variables were reviewed, and in which a close relationship was found for the development of the disease and the geographic location of homes, in addition to other factors related to cooking methods, cigarette consumption and the appearance of other comorbidities. It is important that health professionals and governmental entities in charge establish strategies aimed at mitigating the impact and progression of the disease.