Quality of life in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease patients

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic slowly progressive disease characterized by excessive irreversible airway obstruction, leading to shortness of breath, cough, sputum production and wheezing. Over time the patients manifest weakness, disability and reduced quality of life. Aim: of the present study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with the COPD. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was performed in a Greek public hospital from February 2016 until July 2016. The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire was distributed to 150 patients with COPD. The SGRQ evaluates the symptoms, activity of patients and the impact of the disease. For data analysis was used the SGRQ excel calculator and SPSS. Results: In the present research 53,3% of the sample were males and 46,7% female. According to the SGRQ scores of the study, the worst value (67.95) had been shown on the scale of activities and the best value in the range of symptoms (49.03). The average value received by the "Impact" component was 55,35. The assessment of disease impact on the overall patient's health status showed a mean of 58,12. The evaluation of the activities revealed that COPD symptoms led to reduced capacity and willingness for daily living activities. Regarding the impact of disease, about 1/3 of patients had to change their profession. The symptoms, which the older patients manifest, affected their quality of life due to greater restrictions on activity, higher social impact and worst fitness. Conclusion: This study highlighted several factors that affect the quality of life of patients with COPD. The identification and reduction of exposure to risk factors, the physical activity and, finally, compliance with medication therapy reduces symptoms and improves the quality of life.