PhD Scientific Days 2022

Clinical Medicine VII. (Poster discussion will take place in the Aula during the Coffee Break)

Questionnaire about the patient's awareness, social support and treatment adherence in COPD.

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a health burden for both patients and society, which can be reduced by the patient`s cooperation, which is related to education. Familiar/social support has been shown to have a positive impact on treatment`s adherence and quality of life.
Aim: Our questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey aimed to assess COPD patients' therapeutic cooperation and awareness, which was complemented by the patients.
Methods: Our validated questionnaires were completed by 200 patients at the Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation of the National Korányi Institute for Pulmonology in spring, 2020. We assessed patients' cooperation in terms of medicine usage by Morisky scale (MMAS-4), their quality of life was evaluated by CAT (COPD Assessment Test) questionnaire, and social support by FSSQ (Functional Social Support Questionnaire).
Results: The average age of patients was 67 (61-72) years, and the male/female ratio is 48/52%. There was a significant difference in the quality of life between adherent (69%) and non-adherent (31%) patients: CAT 22 (10-30) vs. 26 (21-31); p <0.001. Patients with good cooperation of the treatment had a lower number of exacerbations in the previous year (1 (0-3) vs. 2 (1-4); p <0.05), higher maximal exercise capacity: 6MWD (m) 310 (158-345) vs. 250 (150-358); p=0.878, and less alcohol consumption 14% vs. 26%; p=0.045. The prevalence of non-adherence to treatment was higher among older patients (≥65 years), who were less educated and still actively smoking (43.5%). Patients with good adherence had fewer co-morbidities. The patient's marital status (OR=0.86) and social support (OR=1.49) were also found to influence adherence.
Conclusion: Patient`s awareness, family/social support and treatment`s adherence are crucial in parallel, and when all of these are present, appropriate and long-term patient cooperation and improvement in quality of life can be expected.

Financial support: the authors did not receive any financial support for the abstract, presentation/poster or research work.

Keywords: COPD, patient awareness, adherence to therapy; patient satisfaction, social support