QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH COPD

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a serious public health issue that significantly lowers patients' quality of life. The fourth most common cause of death globally is COPD. It is a more common cause of death for men and affects them more frequently than women. In individuals over 40, the prevalence of COPD is significant, ranging from 5 to 10%. Smokers have a higher death rate and are more likely than non-smokers to develop COPD. The most prevalent lung condition in adults is chronic bronchitis. For men over 60, the incidence rates vary from 20 to 60%. Women have also been impacted more often in recent years. Risk factors for the development of COPD can be divided into those related to: personal factors (genetic predisposition, airway hyperreactivity, abnormalities in lung growth and development, older age) and environmental factors (smoking, occupational exposure to dust and chemicals, indoor and outdoor air pollution, infections, and socioeconomic status) The disease is characterized by progressive airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms that affect physical, emotional, and social functioning. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the anamnesis, clinical manifestations, physical findings, spirometry, determination of oxygen and carbon dioxide in arterial blood, acid-base status of arterial blood, microbiological analysis of sputum, chest radiography and electrocardiogram. COPD is a progressive and incurable disease, and the goal of treatment is to prevent disease progression and exacerbations, and to improve quality of life. The aim of this research is to examine the impact of COPD on quality of life, with a particular focus on differences between gender and the relationship between age and the degree of impairment. The general research hypothesis assumes that COPD has a significant impact on quality of life, with expected gender differences and a correlation between age and the level of quality of life impairment. The study was designed as a cross-sectional research and conducted on a sample of 30 patients diagnosed with COPD, including 15 males and 15 females of different ages. The impact of COPD symptoms on quality of life was assessed using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) questionnaire, with scores ranging from 0 to 40, where higher values indicate a greater negative impact of the disease. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient. The results showed that male patients (M = 19.20; SD = 3.509) had significantly higher CAT scores compared to female patients (M = 15.20; SD = 6.549), indicating a greater impairment in quality of life (t(28) = 2.085; p < 0.05). Furthermore, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between age and CAT score (r = 0.364; p = 0.048), suggesting that quality of life worsens with increasing age. The findings confirm that COPD significantly affects quality of life and that demographic factors such as gender and age play an important role in the degree of impairment. Older patients and male patients appear to be more affected, highlighting the need for targeted and individualized approaches in disease management. The study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, continuous monitoring, and comprehensive treatment strategies aimed at improving quality of life in patients with COPD.