Bridging the COPD awareness gap in marginalized populations: Findings from a multicentre study in Khalilabad, Sant Kabir Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India

Sant Kabir Nagar, a district in Uttar Pradesh, India, faces significant healthcare challenges, particularly in managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This study highlights the alarming lack of COPD awareness, with only 3% of patients recognizing their condition, while 54% had no knowledge and 43% refused diagnosis. Major risk factors include biomass fuel exposure (47.8%), agricultural pollution (32%), and smoking (13.4%). Despite global preference for inhalation therapy, only 9% of patients in Khalilabad, Sant Kabir Nagar receive optimal bronchodilator treatment, with 42% relying on oral medications due to cost, misconceptions, and poor accessibility. The “Difficult Doctor, Difficult Patient, and Difficult Treatment” phenomenon further hampers COPD management. Misconceptions about inhalers, financial constraints, and inadequate physician training lead to underdiagnosis and suboptimal treatment. Key recommendations include nationwide awareness campaigns, spirometry training for physicians, and government-led initiatives to promote inhaler use. Subsidizing inhalation therapy could significantly improve adherence and patient outcomes. Immediate action is essential to bridge the COPD treatment gap in Khalilabad, Sant Kabir Nagar. By addressing financial, educational, and medical barriers, policymakers and healthcare professionals can enhance early detection, improve treatment strategies, and ultimately reduce the disease burden, leading to better health outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.