Prevalence and risk factors of chronic cough among adult in Nepal: results from a community-based study (COBIN-P)

Background: Chronic cough is a common respiratory complaint among the general population, causing substantial physical, social, and psychological burden. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of chronic cough and its risk factors among Nepalese adults. Methods: It is a community-based cross-sectional study among 1438 adults aged ≥40 years from a semi-urban area of the Pokhara Metropolitan City of Western Nepal. Chronic cough was defined as daily coughing for at least three months duration during the preceding two years. We assessed the prevalence and associated risk factors of chronic cough. Results: Majority (54%) were female and the average age (SD) was 56(10) years. The prevalence of chronic cough was 5%. Logistic regression analysis resulted in higher odds of chronic cough among aged >60 years (OR: 4.7; 95% CI: 2.5 – 8.9), COPD patients (OR:18.5; 95% CI: 11.2 – 30.6), biomass fuel smoke exposure (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1 – 2.7), and absence of kitchen chimney (OR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.5 – 5.6). Similarly, chronic coughing is associated with among those who exposed to secondhand smoke (OR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.9 – 4.9), former smokers (OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.6 – 5.4), current smokers (OR: 5.8; 95% CI: 3.2 – 10.3) and history of childhood lung infection (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3 – 5.0). However, there was no statistically significant association observed with sex, cardiovascular comorbidities, and tuberculosis history. Conclusions: Considering the significant impact of chronic cough on quality of life, it is important to design and implement programs and strategies to reduce modifiable risk factors like smoking, biomass fuel exposure, and preventing childhood lung infection.