A Study on Assessing the Impact of Smoking and Occupational Exposure on COPD Severity.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with occupational exposure to respiratory hazards and smoking being significant risk factors for its development and progression. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between occupational exposure and COPD severity among patients admitted to the new medical ward of a public hospital. The research employed a cross-sectional design and involved a sample of 160 COPD patients. Data collection included patient records, face-to-face interviews, and structured questionnaires that gathered demographic information, smoking history, occupational exposure, and disease severity. Quantitative analysis methods were used, with statistical tools such as chi-square tests and correlation analysis applied to assess the relationships between variables. The chi-square test demonstrated a significant association between occupational exposure and COPD severity (χ² = 45.07, df = 8, p = 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed positive relationships between COPD severity and age (r = 0.40), smoking status (r = 0.53), and duration of occupational exposure (r = 0.69). The findings emphasize the critical role of occupational risks and smoking in exacerbating COPD and suggest the need for preventive workplace interventions and stricter regulations to reduce respiratory hazards.