Characteristics of Males Participating in a Lung Age Measurement Event and the Effect of the Lung Age Measurement Event on Their Awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

[Purpose] This study evaluated the effect of a lung age measurement event on awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 930 people who participated in a lung age measurement event sponsored by Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Each subject underwent lung age measurement and completed a questionnaire. Basic attributes, lung age, difference between lung and actual age, principal symptoms, experience of lung age measurement, and the smoking habits of the male participants were compared. Furthermore, the difference in COPD awareness before and after participation was assessed. [Results] 96% of the participants stated that they had knowledge of COPD after their participation. Participants with a difference between lung and actual age of ≥16 years were more likely to be current smokers, to suffer shortness of breath, and be aware of COPD, than those with a difference of <16 years. [Conclusion] A lung age measurement event is an effective method for improving the awareness of COPD of the general population, and it is important to increase such opportunities.