Burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Its Attributable Risk Factors in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990–2021: Results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

This study analyzes the global burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its attributable risk factors across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021 using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The authors assess trends in COPD prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years, and risk exposures including smoking, air pollution, and occupational hazards. The findings highlight substantial geographic disparities in COPD burden and emphasize the continuing importance of prevention, environmental health policies, and equitable access to respiratory care worldwide.