Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Slovakia
Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Slovakia

Summary/Abstract: Aims and objectives. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of symptoms on the individual dimensions of the quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Background. The presence of symptoms or the fear of them in patients with COPD affects their physical and social activities. Actively combatting the disease depletes physical, emotional, and financial resources and affects the ability of the patient to overcome other life situations.Methods. The sample consisted of 80 respondents with COPD, Stage II, as per GOLD classification. The average age of respondents was 62.9 years. The research was conducted using the Short Form Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36) and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).Results. Results of the SF-36 questionnaire indicated that the health-related quality of life was mostly limited: general health, physical functioning, vitality, and mental health. Next to the worsening of symptoms such as cough and dyspnoea, patients reported a worsening of the following dimensions: general health, physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, and mental health. A strong linear relationship was observed between the symptoms and the dimension limitation of emotional problems.Relevance for clinical practice. The aim of a COPD comprehensive therapy should be to reduce its symptoms, preventing the loss of performance, improving daily activities, and in general improving the patient’s quality of life.

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