Determinants of quality of life in patients with bronchial asthma

Background. In recent years there has been an alarming increase in the incidence of asthma. The problems encountered by patients with asthma, involve different areas of functioning, such as the physical, mental and social sphere. The disease is considerable difficulty in carrying out the majority of social roles. Often, an obstacle to the realization of personal and professional plans. Thus, assessment of quality of life is a valuable addition to information about the extent to which asthma affects the functioning of this group of patients .

Aim. The main objective of this study was to investigate the determinants affecting the quality of life of patients with asthma.

Material and methods. The study involved 101 patients with diagnosed and treated asthma (56 women and 45 men). All patients in the period of the survey were under specialist care for Adult Allergy Clinic in Wroclaw. The study used standardized questionnaires : the quality of life (QoL ) — SF-36 questionnaire, and to assess the degree of control of asthma — asthma control test (ACT).

Results. Observed differences in the assessment of QoL among women and men. Women with asthma have much worse functioning in daily life than men ,and more likely experience anxiety, pain, and depression. Significant impact on the quality of life of self-esteem was also observed in terms of age and education. Marital status had a statistically significant effect only in the MH (mental health domain) of the SF-36 questionnaire (p = 0.020). Without a doubt, the most important factor influencing the QoL is the degree of asthma control .

Conclusions.

1. The quality of life of patients with asthma is significantly affected by age, gender and the level of education.

2. The degree of control of the disease correlates with the self-assessment of quality of life. Patients who have better control of asthma are performing better quality of life results.