The effect of an information leaflet upon knowledge and awareness of COPD in potential sufferers. A randomized controlled study.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is markedly under-diagnosed, which may be related to the under-reporting of symptoms and poor awareness of the disease. We hypothesized that written information on COPD may help increase awareness of the disease in people at risk of developing it.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of an information leaflet sent by postal mail on the level of knowledge of COPD in subjects with or at risk of COPD.