Validation of self-reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a cohort study of nurses

Barr, RG; Herbstman, J; Speizer, FE; Camargo, CA, Jr

HERO ID

34882

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2002

Language

English

PMID

11994237

HERO ID 34882
In Press No
Year 2002
Title Validation of self-reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a cohort study of nurses
Authors Barr, RG; Herbstman, J; Speizer, FE; Camargo, CA, Jr
Journal American Journal of Epidemiology
Volume 155
Issue 10
Page Numbers 965-971
Abstract Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death, and its prevalence is increasing; however, few strategies are available for disease prevention or modification besides smoking interventions. To facilitate examination of modifiable risk factors for COPD in the Nurses' Health Study, the authors validated a questionnaire-based definition of COPD in a subset of this US cohort. Participants were surveyed biennially about lifestyle factors, including smoking, since 1976 and physician diagnosis of COPD since 1988. Self-reported cases were defined as reporting COPD on both the original (1988-1996) and supplemental (1998) questionnaires. The authors requested medical records for a 10% random sample of 2,790 cases and reviewed these records in a systematic, blinded fashion. Validated cases required obstructive spirometry, emphysema on chest radiograph or computed tomography, or physician diagnosis. COPD was confirmed for 78% of 273 cases. Spirometry or radiographic results were available for 84%; when available, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 51% predicted (standard deviation, 19). Applying these results to a hypothetical cohort, the authors estimated the degree to which disease misclassification biases relative risks toward the null value, confirming that questionnaire-based COPD research should focus on minimizing false positives rather than false negatives. In conclusion, COPD can be studied in large, questionnaire-based cohorts of health professionals.
Doi 10.1093/aje/155.10.965
Pmid 11994237
Wosid WOS:000175628800012
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments ECRIB.
Is Public Yes
Language Text English