Prevalence of Chronic Respiratory Diseases, Airflow Obstruction, Sleep Apnea Risk, and Novel Tobacco Use in the Coastal Localities of the Mangalia Municipality: A Cross-Sectional Study of 979 Adults

Background

Spirometric airflow obstruction frequently remains unrecognised in community settings, representing a major diagnostic gap in chronic respiratory disease management. Population-based epidemiological data from Romanian coastal communities–characterised by a highly dynamic population including residents, seasonal workers, and tourists–remain scarce. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of screening-detected pre-bronchodilator airflow obstruction and chronic respiratory diseases, characterise smoking behaviours including novel tobacco product use, identify individuals at elevated risk for sleep apnea, and examine patterns of preventive care and healthcare utilisation across five Black Sea coastal localities.