This study seeks to examine prevalence, risk factors, and quality of life of Korean adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

From the database of the Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV-1, 2008), the researchers selected 1,458 adults over the age of 45. The original study was a population-based epidemiological survey of health and nutrition with a stratified multistage clustered probability design. Prevalence of COPD was computed on the basis of the sampling weight. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ² test, t-test and multiple logistic regression with the SPSS WIN 18.0 and SAS Ver. 9.1 program.

The prevalence of COPD was 18.0% among people older than 45 yr. The prevalence of current smokers was 19.7% in this population and 26.3% in individuals with COPD. Age, gender, education, and smoking levels were found to be risk factors for COPD. Significant difference in quality of life was founded between adults with COPD and the healthy controls.

The results of this study indicate that COPD is a highly prevalent disease in Korea. To reduce the prevalence of COPD and improve health-related quality of life in patients with COPD, nursing interventions must focus on prevention of risk factors.