Aim

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the diseases of civilization. The symptoms of the disease reduce the quality of life of patients and, in advanced stages, prevent independent functioning. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease, and therefore on the intensity of its symptoms. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of life and the health and psycho-social problems that accompany people with COPD.

Material and methods

The study enrolled 280 people, the largest group was aged 60-65 years. The criteria for entry were: age over 60, diagnosed disease - COPD, and intellectual ability to complete the questionnaire. The study used a socio-demographic questionnaire of our own authorship and standardized scales: CAT, IADL and Pittsburgh questionnaire.

Results

A total of 280 people entered the study, including 206 (73.57%) men and 74 (26.43%) women, the largest group being aged 60-65 years (92; 51.11%). The entry criteria were: age over 60 years, diagnosed disease - COPD and intellectual capacity to complete the questionnaire. The study used a socio-demographic questionnaire of the authors' own design and standardised scales: CAT, IADL and the Pittsburgh questionnaire.

Conclusions

COPD reduces the IU of patients, who are most often men. Education and place of residence do not affect the IU of patients, but living in a rural area increases the incidence. Smoking is the main cause of the incidence of COPD. Dyspnoea and cough are the main symptoms, affecting lower IU. Patients with COPD have sleep problems, resulting in the need to take sleep medication.