ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE PATIENTS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by

airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. Quality of life has been shown to be poor in

patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVE: The main

objectives of the study are to assess knowledge and healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL) of

COPD patients and to find a link between these two parameters.DESIGN: observational, cross

sectional survey involving 202 COPD patients was conducted by using disease specific

questionnaires. Knowledge was assessed with the Bristol COPD knowledge questionnaire

(BCKQ) and HRQoL was assessed with St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ-C).

R E S U L T S : Patients showed a little better knowledge (34%–54%) about disease

symptoms,whereas the other areas related to epidemiology, etiology, breathlessness, exercise

and smoking showed poor knowledge (11%–29%). Majority of the patients did not know about

their medications and its use, indicating very poor knowledge (0%–7%). Similarly scores for

HRQoL were also calculated and average score was 42.3% and mean component scores were

72.3%, 34.7%and 32.7% for symptoms, activity and impacts, respectively. We also found an

association betweenCOPD knowledge and HRQoL (p < 0.036). COPD symptoms such as

dyspnea had major role in worsening HRQoL in addition to physical limitations and impact of

disease. CONCLUSION: Awareness regarding disease condition and medications among

COPD patients was found out to be significantly low. HRQOL was impaired in patients

particularly due to disease symptoms. Educational interventionsare required that improves

COPD patients' disease understanding and assist them to improve theirhealth-related quality of

life.