COPD MSA 3 Regions: Epidemiology and Risk Factors of COPD in Rural Environment (BM3R)

The agricultural environment presents a unique profile in terms of epidemiology of pulmonary diseases. Certainly due to persistent exposure to organic particles, the prevalence of COPD is higher in farmers than in the general population, despite less smoking. It is likely that the risk of COPD depends on several factors, such as the type of farm, local conditions and the region where the farm is located. It is important to diagnose COPD at an early stage in order to initiate appropriate therapy, and implement secondary prevention with a view to limiting deterioration of respiratory function and reducing complications. In this context, the aims of BM3R project were: (1) to study the epidemiology of COPD in a large representative sample of French farmers, in order to identify the types of farming, working conditions and regions that are associated with the presence of COPD; and (2) to develop a score to identify patients at risk and optimise diagnosis of COPD in the context of a screening programme.