Objective: The main goal of this study is to compare the Quality of Life (QoL) of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients between three different regions: the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK) and Morocco. Another aim of this research is to assess the predictive factors correlated to the QoL and study the extent of their involvement as well as any possible interaction between them. It is also designed to compare the QoL of control group (healthy individuals) among the same countries. Methods: A total of 1800 subjects were recruited including stable COPD patients (n=430), and a control group (n=1370) from the UK, Morocco and the UAE. St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was the instrument used to evaluate the QoL, while Mahler Dyspnoea Index was used to assess the dyspnoea. Lung functions were measured by a standardised Vitalograph spirometer, while a hand grip dynamometer was used to measure the muscle strength. Data was analysed using ANOVA Post Hoc test to compare the QoL between the centres and linear regression analysis used to assess the effect of various variables upon the QoL scores components. Extra questions were asked to the patients to study their awareness of their condition and its management, which have been tested using chi-square statistical method. Results: Our results show that differences in the QoL between the countries exist. The UK had better overall QoL than Morocco and the UAE, with no significant difference between genders. How well total SGRQ scores were predicted by BMI, dyspnoea index, total muscle grip and pulmonary function were assessed and the results indicated that age, total muscle grip, FVC% predicted, and dyspnoea index are significantly associated with the QoL. Regarding the control groups, our results indicated that there was a highly significant difference in all variables between the three countries. Conclusion: Muscle grip, age, dyspnoea and FVC% predicted are good predictors of QoL in COPD patients. Patients’ QoL deteriorates with older age and increased dyspnoea. COPD patients with poor QoL experience muscle weakness and poor lung function. There was clearly a difference between the QoL of COPD patients in the three regions and the reason behind this is mainly due to the socio-economic status and the health care system followed in each country rather than the demographic location.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:576506 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Bihi, Imane Ben |
| Publisher | University of Sunderland |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/3703/ |
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