Behavior of quality of life in hospitalized patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow compromise in the bronchial tree, developing variable symptoms, such as sputum, dyspnea and cough. Such symptoms of COPD compromise the functionality and social life of individuals, limiting their activities of daily living and thus affecting their quality of life. Objective: The objective is to evaluate the behavior of the quality of life in these hospitalized patients. Methodology: This was a cross sectional and analytical study composed of 18 individuals with COPD, of both genders over 30 years of age. A specific questionnaire (SGRQ) and a general questionnaire (SF-36) were used to determine the quality of life of COPD individuals. Results: Of the 18 individuals, n = 9 (50%) were female gender. The mean and standard deviation of the SF-36 questionnaire, involving all subjects, presented the following values: ​(37.50 ± 31.30 physical functioning, 15.28 ± 22.91 role limitations due to physical health, 47.00 ± 24.88 pain, 52.83 ± 26.60 general health, 50.28 ± 20.68 energy, 50.69 ± 27.27 social functioning, 42.59 ± 40.91 role limitations due to emotional problems, 64, 94 ± 29.12 emotional well-being. When comparing genders, a statistically significant difference was observed in the quality of life of female subjects, especially in the scale of physical functioning (p < 0,005), general health (p < 0,029) and emotional well-being (p < 0,033). Conclusion: It was concluded with the present study that COPD has a negative impact on the health-related quality of life of individuals of both genders, but women have a greater impact in the scale of physical functioning, general health and emotional well-being.