Assessment Quality of Life and Educational level among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary diseases

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic life-threatening lung disease that may progressively lead to death. Patient unawareness of their condition, contributes to repeated exacerbations of the disease and patient's QOL. Aim of the study: was to assess quality of life and educational level among patients with COPD. Design: A descriptive research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at outpatient clinics in Fayoum Chest Hospital at Fayoum governorate, Egypt. Study subjects: A purposive sample composed of (No=100) patients of COPD who accepted to participate in the study. Data collection tools: Two tools were used, 1st tool: A structured interview questionnaire with three parts; socio-demographic characteristics of the patients with COPD, Patient's clinical data and Patient's knowledge questionnaire. 2nd tool: ST. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire for COPD patients (SGRQ-C). Results: Showed that, the mean age of studied patients was 44.8±10.1 years, 32% of patients had satisfactory knowledge about (COPD), while (68%) had unsatisfactory knowledge. (66%) demonstrated unsatisfactory respiratory health status based on the total St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire score, while only 34% showed satisfactory outcomes. Conclusion: Based on results of the present study, about one third patients had satisfactory knowledge about COPD and about two thirds of patients had unsatisfactory respiratory health status based on the total St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire score. Recommendations: This study recommends the importance of conducting continuous health education program and awareness campaigns to improve COPD patients’ knowledge.