Approved research

Associations between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease measures and time use

Lay summary

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by chronic, progressive airflow limitation. Severity of airflow limitation and presence of comorbidities contribute to overall severity, increasing risk of all-cause mortality and morbidity. Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep (time-use) may play a role in mitigating the effects of COPD. This research project aims to address two questions: 1) Is there an association between COPD status and time-use? 2) Does time-use modify the relationship between COPD status and all-cause mortality and hospitalisation? While COPD is not curable, early diagnosis and effective management can slow disease progression, reducing associated mortality and morbidity. Worldwide, 8-15% of adults =40 years have COPD; causing an estimated 3 million deaths/year and contributing to years lived with disability. A key component of COPD management is optimising function, which pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) plays an important role. While PR has shown to improve symptoms and function, the benefits don?t last long-term. Targeting daily time-use may be a more effective strategy for long-term management. Further research is needed to explore associated health benefits in COPD. Statistical analyses will be used to explore associations between COPD status (composite score likely to include spirometry measures, breathlessness and COPD-hospital admission frequency) and physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep (accelerometer data and/or self-report measures). A previously defined COPD-specific index will be used (COTE) to quantify comorbidity status, which will be used as a covariate. The second research question will involve exploring the relationship between COPD status and incidence of hospitalisation and death, and then assessing whether physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep modify this relationship Participants who have spirometry data will be sought (n=353,403). Data over all instances (0-2) will be obtained.