Relationship between COPD and lower socioeconomic status in farmers from south-eastern Poland (Lublin region)

Methods: Thirty farmers with COPD and 34 healthy farmers from the Lublin region (Poland) were investigated based on the area of land they possessed (an indicator used in the health insurance system in Poland to classify farmers). The farmers from five rural communes were selected by general practitioners. Statistical analysis was performed by non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-test for the differences between area of farms. The p<0.05 level was considered as significant. Results: Area of land (median: 1.5 ha, 25th–75th percentile: 1.0–4.0) owned by farmers with COPD was significantly lower than area of farms belonging to healthy farmers (median: 7.0 ha, 25th–75th percentile: 3.0–10.0) ( p<0.0001, Mann–Whitney U-test). Conclusions: In rural areas individuals with COPD are characterized by significantly lower socioeconomic status than healthy persons. COPD is a major health problem, especially in rural areas, which may indicate that policy-makers should consider addressing equity in COPD management in rural areas.