Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT).

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex multisystemic disorder of public health interest. It has both pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestation that affect the Health-related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of the patients. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is an example of HRQOL, a self-administered questionnaire. The study objectives were to determine the HRQOL of COPD patients using the CAT and to determine the predictors of (HRQOL).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional analysis of stable COPD patients.

METHODS

Patients recruited had clinical and spirometry diagnosis of COPD. Spirometry assessed the pulmonary function, the Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea scale assessed the dyspnoea ratings. The Six-minute Walk Distance Test (6MWDT) measured the exercise capacity, and the CAT questionnaire assessed the HRQOL.

RESULTS

Sixty patients recruited for the study had a mean age of 68.8 years ±10.3. Thirty-six (60%) of the patients were males, while 24 (40%) were females. Seven (11.6%) of the participants were in the low impact level with CAT scores less than 10, majority 50 (83.4%) were in the medium to very high impact level with poor HRQOL. The MMRC scale and 6MWDT were the main predictors of the HRQOL.

CONCLUSION

COPD results in significant impairment of HRQOL; the MMRC and 6MWDT were the main predictors of the poor HRQOL. Initiating measures that will improve physical activity and level of dyspnea will positively impact on the patient's HRQOL.