The Global Burden of Diseases Study 2017 estimated that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was the second leading cause of death, the fourth leading cause of premature death, and the third cause for disability-adjusted life years lost in Nepal. However, data on the population-based prevalence of COPD in Nepal are limited. This study aims to assess the prevalence of COPD and factors associated with the occurrence of COPD in Nepal.

The study found that the prevalence of COPD in Nepal was 11.7% and that COPD is a growing and serious public health issue in Nepal. Factors such as old age, cigarette smoking, low educational attainment, low body mass index, ethnicity, and locality of residence (province-level variation) play a vital role in the occurrence of COPD. Strategies aimed at targeting these risk factors through health promotion and education interventions are needed to decrease the burden of COPD.