The burden of chronic respiratory diseases in Macedonia

Abstract

Aim: Chronic respiratory diseases involve a heterogeneous group of disease, including, COPD, asthma, sleep apnea syndrome, pulmonary hypertension and many occupational diseases. This study aims to estimate the burden of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and 10-year mortality trend compared to other non-communicable diseases in Macedonia. Material and Methods: Data was retrieved from official reports by State Statistical Office, annual reports of the Health Insurance Fund, the burden of disease estimates by WHO Global Health Observatory data as well as the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Analytical and descriptive methods were used to present the results. Results: A total of 4 886 deaths due to chronic respiratory diseases were recorded in a 10-year period from 2007 to 2017 or 3% of total deaths in Macedonia, making it the 5th leading cause of death. The mortality rate increased from 18, 35 deaths per 100.000 population in 2007 to 30, 64 in 2017. Chronic respiratory diseases related Disability Adjusted Life-Year (DALYs) burden of approximately of 728.72 per 100.000 or rank 9 at the leading causes for disability and premature mortality. In Macedonia COPD is in the top 15 leading causes due to premature mortality, with an estimated burden of 504.84 DALYs per 100.000. Highest risk factors related burden was attributed to the environment and smoking. Conclusion: Although they are preventable, chronic respiratory diseases are in the top 10 leading causes for mortality and disability in Macedonia, with a projection to increase as air-pollution and smoking rates are still high and the population ages. The lack of epidemiological data, national guidelines for treatment and management allows these diseases to be on the rise, as effective policy and strategy is very much needed.