Chronic respiratory disease in adult outpatients in three African countries: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND : The greatest burden of chronic respiratory disease is in low- and middle-income countries, with recent population-based studies reporting substantial levels of obstructive and restrictive lung function. OBJECTIVE : To characterise the common chronic respiratory diseases encountered in hospital outpatient clinics in three African countries. METHODS : This was a cross-sectional study of consecutive adult patients with chronic respiratory symptoms (>8 weeks) attending hospital outpatient departments in Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan. Patients were assessed using a respiratory questionnaire, spirometry and chest radiography. The diagnoses of the reviewing clinicians were ascertained. RESULT: A total of 519 patients (209 Kenya, 170 Ethiopia, 140 Sudan) participated; the mean age was 45.2 years (SD 16.2); 53% were women, 83% had never smoked. Reviewing clinicians considered that 36% (95% CI 32–40) of patients had asthma, 25% (95% CI 21–29) had chronic bronchitis, 8% (95% CI 6–11) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 5% (95% CI 4–8) bronchiectasis and 4% (95% CI 3–6) post-TB lung disease. Spirometry consistent with COPD was present in 35% (95% CI 30–39). Restriction was evident in 38% (95% CI 33–43). There was evidence of sub-optimal diagnosis of asthma and COPD. CONCLUSION : In Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan, asthma, COPD and chronic bronchitis account for the majority of diagnoses in non-TB patients with chronic respiratory symptoms. The suboptimal diagnosis of these conditions will require the widespread use of spirometry.