The purpose of this study is to explore dietary intake, including fruit and vegetable consumption, in people with and without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and to assess whether diet impacts COPD symptoms.

Why is this research being done?

Fruits and vegetables are widely recognised for their health benefits. Research suggests they may improve lung function and reduce inflammation in people with COPD. However, it is not yet clear how fruit and vegetable intake relates to COPD.
This study aims to explore dietary intake, including fruit and vegetable consumption, in people with and without COPD. By doing this, we hope to understand whether diet is connected to COPD symptoms and to gain insights that could help improve the health and quality of life of people living with COPD.

Who can participate in this study?

You may be able to take part in this study if you:

• Are aged 40 years or older, and
• Either have a doctor’s diagnosis of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and have been taking COPD medication (such as a puffer or inhaler) for at least 28 days before the study, or
• Have no respiratory (lung) disease.

This study is not suitable for you if:

• Have another main lung condition besides COPD (such as asthma, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, or non-COPD bronchiectasis).
• Have not been taking COPD medication for at least 28 days before the study (if you have COPD).
• Have had a COPD flare-up or needed oral steroids or antibiotics for COPD in the past four weeks.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Are younger than 40 years old.

What will participants be asked to do?

If this study is suitable for you and you decide to take part, you will receive a link to the online study questionnaires. You can complete the questionnaires right away or at a time that works best for you.
The questionnaires will ask about your medical history, medications, COPD symptoms (if you have COPD), quality of life, diet, physical activity, sleep, and mental health. Completing all questionnaires usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

How to participate

To find out more about this study and whether it is right for you please download our Participant Information Statements.

If you would have any questions, you can get in touch with the research team:

Dr Hayley Scott
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle
T: 02 4042 0113
E: [email protected]

Professor Lisa Wood
Pro Vice Chancellor, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
T:  02 49217485
E: [email protected]

Miss Rhiannon Stent
PhD student, Study dietitian
T: 02 4042 0978
E: [email protected]