COPD Underdiagnosis V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Missed opportunities for improving outcomes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases in underserved populations
IRAS ID
331290
Contact name
Shamanthi Jayasooriya
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that affects around three million people in the UK. It is preventable and treatable, but remains a significant health issue, especially in deprived communities. Risk factors for COPD include smoking, air pollution, and poor housing, with people in the most deprived areas being up to ten times more likely to experience severe health problems from COPD than those in wealthier areas. Ethnic minority groups are also at higher risk, both because of higher smoking rates and living in income deprived neighbourhoods. Additionally, some may develop COPD without smoking, and first-generation immigrants may face other unique risks. Despite this, fewer people from minoritised ethnic groups seem to be diagnosed with COPD than expected, and little research has focused on this issue.
The aim of this research is to explore why COPD is often underdiagnosed in underserved populations and why certain primary care interventions, like vaccinations, pulmonary rehabilitation, and tobacco dependency treatments, don't reach these groups. Specifically, the study will investigate the barriers preventing better COPD detection and management in socioeconomically deprived areas and populations from minoritised ethnic groups.
The research will follow a two-phase approach. First, a quantitative phase will estimate how many people in underserved areas are living with undiagnosed COPD. The second phase will use qualitative methods to understand the barriers to diagnosing and treating COPD in these communities, including exploring perceptions of key interventions. Findings will help co-develop strategies to improve early diagnosis and care.
The ultimate goal is to reduce the health burden of COPD through early recognition and intervention, particularly in underserved populations, improving health outcomes and making treatments more accessible and effective.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0429
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion