Lifestyle factors may influence respiratory health

Following a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps prevent the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), whereas poor sleep quality contributes to a risk increase, according to a study.

Researchers looked at data on lifestyle factors such as dietary patterns, physical activity, and sleep quality from 12,000 individuals who participated in the PERSIAN Organizational Cohort study at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (POCM).

The food frequency questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to evaluate dietary intake, physical activity, and sleep quality, respectively. The main outcome of COPD was diagnosed and categorized according to severity using spirometry.

A total of 4,269 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. Of these, 373 (9 percent) had COPD and 3,768 (91 percent) were healthy.

COPD prevalence was lower among participants who adhered to a healthy dietary pattern. This finding held true despite adjustments for confounders for the second and third quartiles of adherence. On the other hand, the second quartile adherence to the fast-food dietary pattern was positively associated with COPD.

Factors such as older age and poor sleep quality were also associated with a higher COPD prevalence.

Physical activity levels were similar between participants with COPD and those who were healthy.

The findings underscore the possible interplay of lifestyle factors and respiratory health.