The Multidimensional Burden of COPD in China: A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison with Other Prevalent Non-Communicable Diseases.

PURPOSE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of mortality in China, yet its multifaceted burden relative to other major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is not well-characterized. This study comprehensively assessed the multidimensional burden of COPD compared to hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and osteoporosis in China.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from the 2020 China National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS). The study included 589 self-reported COPD patients and comparison cohorts with other NCDs. Propensity score matching (1:1) was used to balance demographic and clinical characteristics. Outcomes included health-related quality of life (HRQoL), work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI), and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU).

RESULTS

After matching, COPD patients exhibited a significantly greater overall disease burden compared to those with hypertension, diabetes, or hypercholesterolemia. The burden was severity-dependent, with patients in GOLD stages B and D experiencing the most severe impairments. COPD was associated with significantly lower HRQoL and higher activity impairment than hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Compared to diabetes, severe COPD (Stage D) showed greater work productivity loss and higher hospitalization rates. The burden relative to osteoporosis was more variable, with the advantage of mild COPD (Stage A) diminishing in advanced stages.

CONCLUSION

COPD imposes a substantial and distinct multidimensional burden in China, often exceeding that of other common NCDs and escalating with severity. These findings underscore the need for severity-based management and integrated care to mitigate the significant health and socioeconomic impact of COPD.