Sustainable and Integrated Management of COPD in Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur: Pilot Project
The Sustainable and Integrated Management of COPD Pilot Project was a two-day community-based respiratory health initiative conducted in Ward No. 9, Tikabhairab, Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur.
The project was designed to test a practical model for COPD prevention, early identification, spirometry-supported assessment, health education, medical counselling, and referral at the community level. It also helped generate implementation experience for expanding integrated COPD and non-communicable disease services to other rural and underserved communities.
Participants received a comprehensive health assessment that included:
- Registration and basic health-history collection
- Height, weight, and body-mass-index assessment
- Blood-pressure measurement
- Blood-glucose testing
- Oxygen-saturation measurement
- Respiratory symptom and risk-factor assessment
- COPD Assessment Test and structured questionnaire administration
- Spirometry for eligible participants
- Individual medical consultation and counselling
- IEC materials on COPD prevention and management
The programme assessed major COPD risk factors, including tobacco smoking, second-hand smoke, household air pollution, occupational dust, poor air quality, and previous or persistent respiratory symptoms.
A total of 57 people participated, and 52 participants completed spirometry. Among those tested, 13 participants; 25% had an FEVâ‚/FVC ratio below 0.70, indicating an obstructive lung-function pattern requiring further clinical evaluation.
Participants received personalized advice based on their symptoms, exposures, spirometry findings, and associated health risks. Health education emphasized tobacco cessation, reduced smoke exposure, cleaner household environments, appropriate physical activity, breathing exercises, early recognition of worsening symptoms, and timely healthcare-seeking.
The project also introduced participants to pulmonary-rehabilitation techniques, including pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and simple breathing exercises intended to support symptom management and respiratory self-care.
This pilot demonstrated that community-based COPD screening can identify people with previously unrecognized airflow obstruction while also creating opportunities to assess hypertension, diabetes, obesity, oxygen saturation, and other related health risks.
The experience informed HCAN’s later expansion of integrated COPD and NCD screening activities in Rasuwa District. It also highlighted the importance of trained personnel, quality-assured spirometry, clear referral mechanisms, patient education, and continued follow-up beyond one-time screening activities.
Key Project Figures
Project duration: Two days
Participants reached: 57
Participants completing spirometry: 52
Participants with FEVâ‚/FVC below 0.70: 13
Proportion with an obstructive spirometry pattern: 25%
Primary focus: COPD prevention, risk assessment, spirometry-supported screening, NCD assessment, counselling, and referral
Participants reached: 57
Participants completing spirometry: 52
Participants with FEVâ‚/FVC below 0.70: 13
Proportion with an obstructive spirometry pattern: 25%
Primary focus: COPD prevention, risk assessment, spirometry-supported screening, NCD assessment, counselling, and referral
Project Investigator: Mr. Bishesh Bhatta
Project Site: Ward No. 9, Tikabhairab, Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur, Nepal
Current Status: Completed
Project Site: Ward No. 9, Tikabhairab, Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur, Nepal
Current Status: Completed
