1. Epidemiological features, risk-factors & clinical and economic burden of asthma & chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Uganda
Simon Walusimbi [1], Evelyn A Brakema [2], Freddy E Kitutu [1], Bruce J Kirenga [1], Job FM van Boven [3]
Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

2. Research team Uganda

3. Background
Data on the prevalence, clinical and economic impact of asthma/COPD in sub-Saharan Africa are limited.
Recent studies found an unexpected high prevalence of COPD in Uganda. [1]
Notably, prevalence was remarkably high in younger women that never smoked. [1]
The economic impact of chronic respiratory diseases however is still uncertain.
1. Van Gemert et al. Lancet GH

4. Prevalence COPD [2] Uganda Spain Green: women; blue: men
W: women; M: men
2. Lopez-Campos, Respirology 2015

5. Indoor versus outdoor cooking
1. Van Gemert et al. Lancet GH
It seems that biomass/indoor cooking exposure may be responsible for a large part of COPD [1]

6. Research Questions
Describe the epidemiological features of chronic airway disease and its risk factors in Uganda
Estimate the clinical and economic burden of asthma/COPD in Uganda
Generate unit costs which will be used later to provide guidance for cost-effectiveness evaluation of interventions planned during the FRESH AIR project and other future projects

7. Methods (I) Literature review to identify existing data Mixed methods
National prevalence & direct costs: make use of existing Ugandan national data (HMIS)
All healthcare utilization is calculated per category (e.g. hospital, primary care, medication) and subsequently summed up and analyzed

8. Methods (II) Risk factors, exposure and societal impact:
Interviews on work impairment, risk factors and other activities such as housework or school absence due to asthma/COPD.
WPAI questionnaire (work productivity)
Data will be documented as multiple choice or Likert scale responses, permitting quantitative analyses.
Qualitative data from open-ended questions will be reviewed for themes; identified themes will be integrated during report writing in the form of quotes and narratives to supplement quantitative data and describe patient experience with Asthma/COPD.

9. Questions to Discuss Additional research questions?
How to deal with unpublished data synthesis in settings where routine data collection are still traditional paper based and usually incomplete
Transferability of protocol to Kyrgyz Republic, Vietnam and Greece?

10. Contact