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.