Abstract
Statement of Problem:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a growing concern among low-income, middle-aged and older adult smokers in Los Angeles County. This population continues to experience disproportionate rates of tobacco use and delayed diagnosis due to systemic barriers such as low awareness, lack of support, and limited access to screening services. This project addresses the intersection of tobacco use and COPD within low socioeconomic communities in LA County
Analysis:
A multi-level analysis guided by the Social Ecological Model identifies three key determinants contributing to COPD in this population: inadequate knowledge of smoking-related health risks, lack of supportive resources for smoking cessation, and limited access to early screening and detection services. These barriers are exacerbated by broader structural inequities that make it difficult for low-income individuals to access preventative healthcare.
Intervention Proposal:
The Breath Better, Live Better LA program is a year-long, equity-focused intervention designed to reduce smoking rates and improve early detection of COPD. The program includes a combination of virtual and in-person health education workshops, peer mentorship and family engagement for social support, and a policy advocacy initiative aimed at expanding access to routine COPD screening for high-risk individuals during primary care visits.
Implementation and Evaluation:
The program will be implemented by a multidisciplinary team through virtual and in-person activities. A process evaluation will track program delivery and participant engagement, while a summative evaluation will assess changes in knowledge, behavior, and COPD incidence using surveys and medical records.