Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Smokers: Epidemiology, Risks, and Health Promotion Report

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health concern due to its devastating effects on those afflicted. The prevalence of COPD has risen significantly among smokers in the last few decades, and it is now the third most common cause of death worldwide (Adeloye et al., 2022). An aging population drives this growing trend and an increase in smoking rates (Pranata et al., 2020; Duffy & Criner, 2019).

The impact of this increase in prevalence is further compounded when one considers that nearly 20 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes regularly. This means that a significant portion of the population is at particularly high risk for developing COPD. Furthermore, due to its long-term nature, this risk factor will remain until smoking is curbed entirely or until effective treatments can be developed. This report seeks to critically analyze the epidemiology of COPD amongst smokers, considering the burden of the disease, risk factors associated with smoking, and the implications for public health.

Epidemiology of COPD

COPD is a leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. It affects an estimated 64 million individuals globally, including roughly 15 million Americans (Ruvuna & Sood, 2020; Stockley et al., 2019). As of now, COPD is third on the list of global killers, but by 2025, it is projected to replace motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death in the United States and the rest of the industrialized world (Ejike et al., 2019). Experts believe that between 80% and 90% of all cases of COPD may be attributed to smoking, with the remaining 10% to 20% attributable to occupational or other environmental exposures (Patel et al., 2019; Scoditti et al., 2019). Therefore, owing to increased exposure to cigarette smoke and other environmental contaminants, smokers are at a greater risk of getting COPD.

Key Evidence Concerning COPD

Despite the strides in reducing smoking rates in the United States, COPD remains a significant public health issue due to its severe impacts on those affected and its increasing prevalence. Studies have identified that smoking dramatically increases one’s risk of developing COPD, especially if a person has smoked for many years and has smoked larger amounts of cigarettes over time (Varmaghani et al., 2019; Xie et al., 2020; Hikichi et al., 2019).

Studies further suggest that genetics can play a role, as there is a higher incidence of COPD among individuals who are related to another person who has been diagnosed with the disease (Park et al., 2020; Pranata et al., 2020; O’Farrell et al., 2019; Hopkinson et al., 2019). Furthermore, smokers and nonsmokers exposed to air pollution for extended periods are at a higher risk of developing COPD (Duan et al., 2020; Choi & Rhee, 2020). These studies underscore the importance of prevention strategies aimed at reducing smoking rates and limiting exposure to air pollution to curtail COPD diagnoses in the future.

Analysis of How the Media Reports COPD

The media often reports on COPD, with many outlets discussing lifestyle changes that can help reduce one’s risk of developing the disease. In recent years, the media have focused on raising awareness about how smoking increases the risk of developing COPD and other serious health problems (Apperson et al., 2019). In addition, the media have highlighted ways smokers can quit through approved products, cessation classes, and support programs (Wheaton et al., 2019).

The media has also raised awareness regarding risks and protective behaviors associated with air pollution exposure and occupational hazards that could increase one’s risk of developing COPD (Hayden, 2022). In addition, the media have been found to play an essential role in educating people about the risks associated with smoking and other unhealthy behaviors, such as drinking too much alcohol (Gupta et al., 2019; Paige et al., 2019). Moreover, it plays a vital role in increasing public awareness about health promotion campaigns run by governments or other organizations that want more people to take action on their health by quitting smoking.

Behavioral Change Theories Used to Influence Health Behavior

Several behavior change theories could be used to influence health behaviors related to COPD. The Health Belief Model (HBM) suggests that one’s decision to change one’s behavior is based on one’s beliefs about one’s susceptibility to a health threat like COPD. This includes the perceived severity of the threat, perceived benefits and barriers associated with making the change, and one’s confidence in making that change (Gillison et al., 2019; Green et al., 2020).

Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) builds on HBM by accounting for environmental influences on personal behavior through facets like self-efficacy, performance standards, self-regulation, and learning through observation or vicarious experience (Beauchamp et al., 2019). The Social Ecological Model (SEM) further recognizes that health behaviors stem from complex interactions between an individual’s factors and physical and social environment (Rhodes et al., 2019; Sharma, 2021). All three models can guide the design of interventions to promote health behaviors related to preventing COPD among smokers.

Health Promotion Model(s) Underpinning the Approach to Health Promotion

An ecological framework, such as the Stages of Change or Transtheoretical Model (TTM), may support the health promotion strategy employed here. TTM suggests that altering one’s behavior occurs throughout six phases: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination (Prochaska, 2020). However, these stages can vary among individuals based on their particular needs when acting upon health behavior recommendations.

In addition, the Health Belief Model (HBM) should also be considered when assessing behavior change because it focuses on understanding an individual’s beliefs related to their susceptibility to disease (Bastable, 2021). HBM posits that people will take action if they perceive their risk for a disease is high enough or if they believe there are sufficient benefits associated with making behavior changes (Wahl et al., 2021). These two models provide a basis for formulating interventions that target attitudes and perceptions about personal risk to promote healthy behaviors that reduce one’s risk of developing COPD over time.

Ethical Considerations Associated with the Approach to Health Promotion

In designing a health promotion program related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among smokers, it is crucial to consider the ethical implications associated with this population group. The ethical principles of respect for autonomy and beneficence should be followed when engaging with smokers considering changing their smoking behavior (Gutiérrez Villegas et al., 2021). Respect for autonomy implies that individuals should have the right to make their own decisions about their behavior without undue influence from external sources, such as family members or healthcare providers. This includes respecting someone’s decision if they decide not to quit smoking after being adequately informed of the risks associated with smoking.

In addition, each individual should have access to accurate, up-to-date, and easily understandable information about COPD prevention. Individuals should be able to access support services to help them quit smoking if they choose to do so (Parris et al., 2019). This could include access to free or subsidized nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), which have been proven effective in helping smokers quit.

Health promotion strategies must not stigmatize or discriminate against any group of people. This includes smokers and groups that face discrimination due to other factors such as socioeconomic status, race, gender, or disability. One must ensure that all individuals have equal access to preventive strategies regardless of their identity or lifestyle choices.

Communication Strategies

Health promotion strategies for COPD prevention in smokers should use traditional and non-traditional communication. Health professionals should engage with individuals through face-to-face conversations, creating a personal connection and encouraging open dialogue (Bastable, 2021). This is especially important when communicating with hard-to-reach populations who may not otherwise have access to resources or information.

Social media and other digital channels can effectively reach large numbers of people quickly and inexpensively (Paige et al., 2019). Digital campaigns can provide information about COPD prevention and direct individuals toward additional resources. To communicate the risks of COPD in smokers, health professionals should focus on making the message clear and believable. The message should be short and easy to understand, with a clear call to action. It should use simple language that is familiar to the target audience. Finally, it should be delivered through multiple channels to reach all potential audiences.

Conclusion

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been discussed as a health issue in the industrialized world for decades. A wide variety of variables can influence the development of COPD. While international medical researchers have made significant progress in raising awareness of this problem, it is clear that behavioral change strategies are needed to save lives.

However, health promotion strategies for COPD prevention in smokers must consider various ethical issues to be effective. Strategies should respect an individual’s right to autonomy while offering accurate information and easy access to support services if needed. Different communication channels should be used, including face-to-face interactions and digital campaigns. By implementing these strategies, people can work together to reduce the incidence of COPD in their communities.

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