Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition in older adults, leading to significant human and economic costs worldwide.1 In 2019, COPD ranked as the third leading cause of mortality worldwide, with approximately 3.23 million deaths, predominantly among older adults.2,3

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common yet least treated comorbidities in COPD patients.4 Rates of anxiety disorders among COPD patients are higher than in the general population 5,6 or individuals with other chronic conditions.7,8 These disorders worsen COPD outcomes by increasing rates of exacerbation,9 hospitalization,10 and mortality,11 and impair quality of life and daily functioning.12

Systematic reviews have explored anxiety prevalence in COPD patients., Data specific to older adults remains sparse and inconsistent. Some studies report higher anxiety prevalence in younger COPD patients 13 while others indicate greater prevalence in older populations.14,15 Existing reviews are outdated and lack a focus on older adults.16 The inconsistent findings and limitations of past studies underscore the need for updated, focused research in this area.

Synthesizing available data to determine the prevalence and scope of anxiety disorders in older COPD patients is essential. As life expectancy increases, the size of this population is increasing. Early detection and effective treatment will improve health outcomes and quality of life. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety disorders among older patients with COPD using systematic review and meta-analysis.