Article

OBJECTIVE: To identify and compare objective and self-perceived characteristics
of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who do and do not choose
rehabilitation. SUBJECTS: The study comprised 205 consecutive patients with mild
to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They chose either inpatient
rehabilitation (n = 161) or ordinary outpatient consultations (n = 44).
MEASUREMENTS: Disease severity was assessed with spirometric tests,
health-related quality of life was assessed with the St George's Respiratory
Questionnaire, and mental status was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and
Depression Scale. Socio-demographic and social characteristics, and co-morbidity
variables were available. RESULTS: Patients in the rehabilitation group had a
lower level of overall health-related quality of life (63.8 vs 47.6, p = 0.000)
and a higher prevalence of anxiety (34.6% vs 13.6%, p = 0.007) than the
outpatients. The outpatients received more psychological support from
spouse/partner than patients in the rehabilitation group (70.5% vs 49.1%, p =
0.012). There were no differences in disease severity and co-morbidity.
CONCLUSION: The decision to choose rehabilitation may be determined by impaired
health-related quality of life, psychological distress and lack of psychological
support from a significant other. Our findings suggest that patients with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease are conscious of their overall health status and
the necessary treatment to maintain or improve it.

Langue : ANGLAIS