The Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the Determinants of Underdiagnosis in Women Exposed to Biomass Fuel in India- a Cross Section Study.

Background And Objectives: Tobacco smoking has been established as a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in women of developing countries, but emerging evidence suggests that biomass fuel is an important risk factor as well. The primary objective of the study was to find the true prevalence of COPD in Indian women exposed to biomass fuel using spirometry. We also aimed to find the determinants of underdiagnosis of COPD in these participants.