Evaluation of health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Introduction The quality of life plays an important role in chronic disease management, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective To assess the quality of life in COPD patients and its relationship to disease severity. Patients and methods Two hundred Egyptian COPD patients were included in the study. We collected demographic data, comorbidities, dyspnea score, and other symptoms. Spirometry, 6-min walk tests were also conducted. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment was done with the Arabic version of St George's Respiratory Questionnaire. Results There was male predominance (72%); in most of the cases (79%), there were more than 50 years old. COPD patients who had significantly reduced HRQoL. Age, frequency of exacerbations per year, comorbidity, particularly hypertension and ischemic heart disease, modified Medical Council Research Dyspnea scale dyspnea scale, BODE index, GOLD spirometric staging, and New GOLD stage showed significant positive correlation with St George's Respiratory Questionnaire. Lower spirometric parameters, 6-min walk tests, and SpO 2 %, were correlated with impaired HRQoL. Conclusion Patients with COPD had reduced HRQoL. Frequent exacerbations, advanced airway obstruction, and dyspnea severity had negative impact on HRQoL.