Correlation of Brinkman’s Index, CAT Scores, Lung Function in Chonic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease of airflow limitation due to persistent and progressive chronic inflammation in airways and lung parenchyma. The prevalence of COPD in Indonesia was 3.7% and ranked 6th in mortality. Spirometry is required for diagnosing and evaluating COPD, but it is not available in all primary healthcare centers. The COPD assessment test (CAT) can be used to assess complaints. This research aims to evaluate the condition of COPD patients and high risk of COPD group in Malang. The study was designed as an observational analytic with a cross-sectional approach. The subjects were divided into COPD patients and COPD risk groups at primary healthcare in Malang from November 2022 to April 2023. The results were calculated statistically using Mann-Whitney and Spearman rho correlation. The total subjects was 166 divided into 112 men and 54 women. The results showed smokers with COPD had a significant impact on Brinkman's index. The CAT scores of COPD patients were not significantly different. COPD patients had strong correlation with history of exacerbations (p < 0.01). The correlation between COPD and pulmonary function values of FEV1% and FEV1/FVC was not significantly different (p > 0.05). Based on research findings, the CAT Score can be an early evaluation tool for COPD conditions at primary health centers. The CAT Score correlates with the patient’s history of exacerbations. Therefore, the CAT Score can serve as a benchmark for improving the quality of life for COPD patients