Prevalence of Lung Conditions and Multimorbidity - Insights from a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study from India

Introduction: The prevalence of multimorbidity in India is around 32% (Patel et al., BMC Geriatrics, 2023) and is rising due to rapid urbanization, aging populations, and the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Coexisting conditions often interact significantly, compounding their impact on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to assess the burden of multimorbidity and lung health and explore their associations with various factors in the adult general population. Methods: As part of the Pollution Awareness and Health Assessment (PAWAN) project, community health camps were organized to raise awareness about air pollution and evaluate lung-health. A comprehensive lung health questionnaire administered to collect data on demographics, respiratory symptoms, underlying acute or chronic conditions, smoking habits, and family history. Spirometry was conducted in accordance with ATS/ERS standards for participants reporting respiratory symptoms. Results: Among 3,862 participants (40% male, 60% female; mean age 44±15 years), 72% reported acute or chronic conditions, with 44% having a single condition and 28% experiencing multimorbidity. Lung conditions, including asthma/COPD/lung-infections/OAD or SAO, affected 26% and significantly associated with Female gender [OR=1.43 (1.23, 1.66)], Respiratory symptoms[OR=3.30 (2.84, 3.84)], Family history of atopy [OR=2.70 (2.21, 3.13)], Past H/O asthma or tuberculosis [OR=9.89 (6.9713.93)], Multimorbidity (defined as presence of Anaemia/HTN/Diabetes/Skin or Heart condition /Kidney disease/any cancer) [OR=1.71 (1.41, 2.07)], Household air pollution [OR=1.37 (1.04, 1.83)], Smoking [OR=1.28 (1.03, 1.59)] and Older age groups; Age50+ [OR=2.56 (2.04, 3.21)], Age(31-50) [OR=2.15 (1.73, 2.67). Figure1. Discussion: The study highlights a high burden of acute and chronic health conditions, with 26% of participants reporting lung-related issues. The findings underscore the complex interaction of demographic, environmental, and clinical factors affecting lung health. Implementing targeted interventions, such as reducing household air pollution, promoting smoking cessation, and enhancing screening and management for high-risk groups, could help mitigate the burden of lung conditions.