Screening for smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among employees of an electricity and gas company

Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common and under-diagnosed disease. Screening for this disease and assessing smoking behaviour are essential to tobacco control measures. Objectives Our study aims to screen for smoking and COPD among employees of an electricity and gas company. Methods We conducted a descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional survey to screen for smoking and COPD among employees of an electricity and gas company. The survey was carried out during a COPD screening day, using a two-part questionnaire. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström test. COPD screening was carried out using a COPD screening self-questionnaire from the French National Authority for Health. Results Our population comprised 28 male participants. Active smoking was reported by 87.7% of participants. Nicotine dependence assessed by the Fagerström test was moderate to high in 54.7% of smokers. We found that 11 participants (39.2%), were identified as being “at risk” of developing COPD. Bivariate analysis showed that the COPD self-screening questionnaire score was associated with smoking and nicotine dependence. Conclusions COPD and smoking among workers are prevalent in the electricity and gas company. Through this awareness-raising day, an action plan had prioritized anti-smoking programs directed at smoking employees to ensure their comprehensive care and prevent the onset of COPD. Disclosure of Interest None Declared