Population Mobility and Epidemiology of Chronic Bronchitis in Connecticut

Abstract

The distribution of chronic bronchitis was studied in southern Connecticut by administering a standardized questionnaire on respiratory symptoms to 424 persons (249 men and 175 women). Eighteen men (8.8%) and 22 women (10.3%) were found to have this disease, and smokers were affected far more frequently than former smokers or nonsmokers. Among the chronic bronchitics a statistically significant association was observed between severity of symptoms and migration from urban areas, those with severe symptoms being the most likely to have left these areas in recent years. The need is therefore emphasized of taking length of residence into account in surveys which are concerned with the relationship between chronic bronchitis and urban air pollution.