Shields, M.E., Hovdestad, W.E., Gilbert, C.P. & Tonmyr, L.E. (2016). Childhood maltreatment as a risk factor for COPD: Findings from a population-based survey of Canadian adults. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 11, 2641–2650. https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S107549
Using data from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health, this study found that childhood maltreatment, including physical abuse, sexual abuse and exposure to intimate partner violence, was linked to COPD in adulthood. The patterns differed by sex, and smoking explained much of the link, especially for men. The findings support both preventing maltreatment and helping survivors deal with tobacco addiction.