Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a spectrum of pathological changes in the respiratory system associated with dyspnea, cough and sputum production. The main objectives of management the disease are reducing the symptoms and improving quality of life. The present study aimed to determine the impact of respiratory symptoms on health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2013 with participation of 331 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in educational hospitals of Tehran city, Iran, chosen by available sampling. Data was collected using demographic variables questionnaire, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (symptoms section) and SF-36 health related quality of life questionnaire. Using independent t-test, Spearman correlation ratio, ANOVA and multivariate analysis of covariance, the data were analyzed.

In presence of age and duration of disease variables, the symptoms of dyspnea, acute episodes of breathlessness and wheezing were significantly associated with physical health (P = 0.049). Reduced quality of life score and increased respiratory symptoms had a direct relation with chronicity of disease, concomitant usage of two drug categories and increase in the number of admissions (P = 0.011).

The use of appropriate approaches to health care and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is recommended.