Aim:

the objective of this review is to study the impact of social determinants of health on the prevalence and prognosis of COPD.

Methods:

an exploratory scoping review of papers published between 2013 and 2023 was performed. A bibliographic search was conducted on pubmed, yielding 31 papers that met the inclusion criteria.

Results:

low educational levels and low incomes are linked to an increased risk of COPD with increments of 44.9% and 22.9% of cases respectively. Involvement in certain occupations such as agriculture or food services also increases the prevalence of the disease and its impact on mortality. Being single or widowhood, unemployment, and living in rural areas with high air pollution are associated with more hospitalizations, severe symptoms, reduced productivity and higher mortality. Social inequalities impact access to medical care and treatment adherence. COPD is more common in men and the elderly, although some studies reveal a higher risk in women due to household chores and exposure to pollutants.

Conclusions:

social determinants of health such as low socio-economic status, occupational status, household or environmental pollution, marital status, place of residence or difficulty accessing the healthcare system act as risk factors for COPD and have an unfavourable impact on this.

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