Prevalence and Associated Factors of COPD Awareness and Screening Intention among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in China.

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has recently been incorporated into the National Basic Public Health Service Program because of its high prevalence and substantial mortality burden among elderly Chinese individuals. However, little is known about COPD awareness, screening intention, and their associated factors.

METHODS

Between September 2024 and February 2025, a structured questionnaire survey was conducted among community-dwelling older adults in Jiangsu and Shandong provinces, China, to collect data on potential influencing factors, COPD awareness, and screening intention. We identified factors associated with COPD awareness and screening intention using univariable binary logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Among the 574 participants, 116 (20.21%) had heard of COPD and 412 (71.78%) expressed willingness to undergo screening. Higher education (OR = 4.522, 95% CI: 2.198-9.947), rural residence (OR = 0.428, 95% CI: 0.274-0.658), being employed (OR = 0.246, 95% CI: 0.094-0.535), higher income (OR = 2.941, 95% CI: 1.727-4.966), and vaccination history (OR = 2.221, 95% CI: 1.426-3.437) were associated with COPD awareness. Older age (OR = 1.498, 95% CI: 1.025-2.201), rural residence (OR = 1.512, 95% CI: 1.046-2.196), higher income (OR = 0.586, 95% CI: 0.355-0.980), having a chronic condition (OR = 1.467, 95% CI: 1.019-2.117), participation in community-based chronic disease management (OR = 1.547, 95% CI: 1.073-2.241), and vaccination history (OR = 1.583, 95% CI: 1.017-2.523) were associated with screening intention.

CONCLUSION

This study provides up-to-date evidence that Chinese elderly have low COPD awareness but a relatively high screening intention, and identifies socio-demographic characteristics, physical health, and healthcare utilization as important associated factors, with public health implications for guiding community-based health education and improving early detection strategies.