Abstract
Background and objectiveHealth-related quality of life (HRQL) in respiratory diseases has been generally investigated in clinical settings, focusing on a single disorder. In this study on a general population sample, we assessed the relationship between HRQL and several respiratory diseases studied simultaneously (COPD, current (CA) and past (PA) asthma, allergic (AR) and non-allergic (NAR) rhinitis and chronic bronchitis (CB).MethodsControls (n = 328) and cases of NAR (n = 95), AR (n = 163), CB (n = 48), CA (n = 224), PA (n = 126) and COPD (n = 28) were recruited in the centre of Verona in the frame of the Italian multi-case control GEIRD (Gene Environment Interactions in Respiratory Diseases) study; HRQL was measured through the SF-36 questionnaire. The relationships between HRQL (in terms of Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Scores (MCS)), respiratory diseases, and covariates were evaluated.ResultsWith respect to controls, the adjusted PCS median score was worse in subjects suffering from current asthma (− 1.7; 95%CI:-2.8;-0.6), CB (− 3.8; 95%CI:-5.7;-1.9), and COPD (− 5.6; 95%CI:-8.1;-3.1). MCS was worse in current asthmatics (− 2.2; 95%CI:-4.1;-0.3), CB (− 5.5; 95%CI:-8.7;-2.2), and COPD cases (− 4.6; 95%CI:-8.8;-0.5) as well.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study in the general population that analyzed HRQL performing a simultaneous comparison of HRLQ in several respiratory disorders. We found that subjects suffering from COPD, CA, and CB had the poorest HRQL. Clinicians should carefully consider the possible impact of respiratory disorders as CB and not only that of CA and COPD.
Highlights
In chronic illnesses, Health-related Quality of Life (HRQL, which daily activities people can perform and how they feel) is a primary concern and is often used as the outcome in both clinical trials and observational studies [1]
We found that subjects suffering from Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), current asthma (CA), and chronic bronchitis (CB) had the poorest Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL)
Clinicians should carefully consider the possible impact of respiratory disorders as CB and that of CA and COPD
Summary
Health-related Quality of Life (HRQL, which daily activities people can perform and how they feel) is a primary concern and is often used as the outcome in both clinical trials and observational studies [1]. Asthma is a critical public health problem worldwide, affecting people of all ages and both sexes [4, 5] It impairs school and work performance [6] as well as physical and mental quality of life [3, 4, 7]. HRQL has been frequently assessed in subjects with AR [15, 19], there is a lack of epidemiological studies on non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) [20], especially on the quality of life of people suffering from it. In this study on a general population sample, we assessed the relationship between HRQL and several respiratory diseases studied simultaneously (COPD, current (CA) and past (PA) asthma, allergic (AR) and non-allergic (NAR) rhinitis and chronic bronchitis (CB)
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