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Background: COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The prevalence rate of COPD in the general Saudi population is estimated to be 2.4% and 14.2% among smokers. Not much is known about current health care services for patients with COPD in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to determine the current care services for patients with COPD provided by government hospitals in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Directors of the Department of Internal Medicine from all 22 general government hospitals that are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Higher Education in this region were asked to participate. Data were collected using a questionnaire., Results: The study results indicated that there are limited hospital facilities for patients with COPD: no respiratory departments in any of the included hospitals, no spirometry in 77.3% of the hospitals, no intensive care units in 63.7% of the hospitals, and no pulmonary rehabilitation program in any of the hospitals. Among the included 22 hospitals, 24 respiratory physicians, 29 respiratory therapists, and three physiotherapists were involved in COPD care., Conclusion: In conclusion, current care services provided by government hospitals in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia for patients with COPD do not meet international recommendations for COPD management. Increased awareness, knowledge, and implementation of COPD guidelines by health care providers will most probably improve COPD management in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the government could improve dissemination of information about COPD management through national programs and by offering specific education regarding respiratory diseases.

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Saudi Arabia is 4.2% among the general population and 14.2% among smokers. Studies showed that management of respiratory diseases is inadequate. In this article, we have elaborated on how factors as health economic factors, lack of health-care providers, culture, attitude, lifestyle (such as smoking and physical inactivity), and lack of adherence to the evidence-based practice guidelines may influence chronic respiratory disease management in Saudi Arabia. We have to conclude that these factors should be taken into account while seeking to improve and optimize the quality of care for patients with respiratory diseases in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]