[Quality of life and social support for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Describing patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, their quality of life and their respective social support network.

This was a cross-sectional study of patients (n=22) fulfilling the inclusion criterion. Quality of life regarding health was determined by using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and the Duke-UNC scale for the social support network.

The patients' average age was 67.0+/-9.9. Gender distribution was 8 male (36.4%) and 14 female patients (63.6%). The highest point-scores for quality of life on the Nottingham Health Profile subscales were obtained for sleep (42.3+/-30.8), emotional reactions (40.2+/-25.7) and mobility (38.4+/-33.5) whilst the lowest point-score was obtained on the social isolation subscale (23.6+/-19.4). There was good emotional social support (55.1% of patients) but limited confidential social support (44.9% of patients).

Women showed worse perception regarding their state of health and quality of life than men. The following dimensions being mostly affected: sleep, emotional reactions, energy and mobility. Just over half the patients referred to having acceptable social support; emotional support was greater than confidential support.