Basic Determinants of Disease Knowledge in COPD Patients: Results from COSYCONET

In many chronic diseases, including COPD, the patients' basic knowledge of the disorder has been shown to be relevant for the course of the disease. We studied which clinical and functional characteristics were related to this knowledge as well as the patients' satisfaction with their knowledge about COPD.

The study population comprised 645 patients of GOLD grades 1-4 who participated in Visit 6 of the COSYCONET cohort (COPD and Systemic Consequences - Comorbidities Network). The assessments covered a broad panel of clinical and functional characteristics, including generic and disease-specific quality of life and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). The study aim was addressed by two questions, referring to patients' knowledge of the meaning of FEV₁ and the overall satisfaction with their knowledge of COPD.

Knowledge of FEV₁ was higher in patients of higher spirometric GOLD grades or exacerbation risk, in males, with higher educational level, and after participation in a prior educational training on COPD. Patients with more detailed knowledge showed a higher satisfaction with their knowledge. Satisfaction was associated with higher generic quality of life and a lower CAT score. Furthermore, satisfaction was higher in patients with a treatment plan but lower in patients with cardiac comorbidities. It appeared that females with basic education, high burden from COPD and low quality of life had the greatest knowledge deficits.

The results suggest room for education programs adapted to the educational level of the participants. They also emphasize the major role of a disease management plan for the patients.