The health related quality of life of Greek patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

SUMMARY.Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an advancing disease, characterized by progressive deterioration of lung function. The impact of the disease on human health is massive and it affects the health related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients in every aspect. This study assessed HRQoL of Greek patients with COPD and its association with demographic and clinical factors, and compared the findings with with those of COPD studies in other countries. In addition, the cost of pharmaceutical treatment of these patients was assessed. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 136 Greek patients with COPD (103 men, mean age 64.7±9.2 years, mean FEV1 59±25.6% predicted).I Information was recorded about their demographic and clinical parameters. Their HRQoL was assessed using the Greek versions of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12 (SF-12) and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Results: The HRQoL of Greek patients with COPD was found to be significantly lower than both that in the general population and that of patients COPD reported in other countries. Almost all the HRQoL scores were shown to be associated with gender, educational and financial status, duration of symptoms, age at onset of symptoms, pack-years of cigarettes smoked, disease stage, degree of dyspnoea, pO2 and pCO2 levels, numbers of medical visits and hospital admissions, participation in rehabilitation programmes, and co-morbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus (DM). The average cost of pharmaceutical treatment was assessed at 110 ± 63 € / month and was associated with the stage of the disease, the smoking habit, the degree of dyspnoea, annual numbers of medical visits and admissions and nebulizer usage. Conclusions: The HRQoL of Greek patients with COPD is influenced by multiple parameters, which should all be taken into consideration when their treatment is being planned. Cost-effective studies should be made on populations of Greek patients with COPD and more emphasis should be placed on rehabilitation programmes in Greece. Pneumon 2013, 26(2):139-151