Low socioeconomic status is associated with chronic obstructive airway diseases

Background: Worldwide, asthma and COPD are common causes of disability or death. Few studies have been made concerning the association with socioeconomic status (SES) and these diseases. Purpose and methods: The aim of this nationwide population-based study was to determine the association with educational and income levels (SES) and chronic airway diseases (CAD), i.e., asthma or COPD (FEV1/FVC <0.70). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to estimate odds ratios in relation to education and household income, using age, gender, smoking in lifetime and body mass index as possible confounders. Results: In this population-based cohort aged >= 30 years the prevalence of asthma was 9% (588/6525). COPD was observed in 5% (338/6525) of research subjects. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis when adjusted for gender, age, smoking history and BMI, the basic educational level remained an independent risk factor for COPD (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.6) and the low household income for asthma (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.9). Conclusions: In this large survey low SES measured by educational and income levels are risk factors of asthma and COPD. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.