Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of the study was to examine the related factors of quality of life (QOL) among patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
METHODS
Patients diagnosed with COPD (N=230) were recruited from four hospitals in Kyeong-Nam province, from March 2 to November 30, 2010. The data collection instruments were the Short Form 36, perceived dyspnea measure by Modified Medical Research Council, COPD and Asthma Sleep Impact Scale, COPD Self-efficacy Scale, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale were used. Following the completion of the data collection instruments Pulmonary function was tested. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and simultaneous multiple regression using SPSS/WIN.
RESULTS
The mean QOL of this study was 68.24. Using a multivariate approach, the significant correlates of QOL were depression (beta=-.37), dyspnea (beta=-.28), self-efficacy (beta=.20), and a sufficient degree of household income (beta=.16). These variables explained 49% of variance in QOL.
CONCLUSION
The study suggests that psychological aspects are an important factor in explaining QOL of the patients. Screening and minimizing depression could be effective strategies in enhancing QOL of patients with COPD and further investigation to reduce depression could warrant the improvement of QOL in patients with COPD.