Evaluation of health-related quality of life in respiratory disease patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital

Abstract

In India, respiratory tract infections (RTI) are a significant public health concern, particularly among children and the elderly. The quality of life (QoL) of patients is greatly impacted by RTI. Enhancing patient care and treatment approaches requires an understanding of the variables that influence health-related QoL (HRQoL). Our study's goal was to assess patients' HRQoL using the St. George Respiratory Questionnaires (SGRQ) in those with respiratory diseases. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in the inpatient department of Vivekananda Hospital, Hubli, over 6 months from August 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. After fulfilling the inclusion requirements, 200 people were included in the study. In 200 patients, while assessing the QoL, we found a significant correlation between age, diagnosis, some biomarkers, smoking, days of hospitalization, the severity of disease, residency, antibiotics, income, and education with HRQoL using SGRQ questionnaires. Our study highlights that HRQoL is impaired in patients with RTI. Age positively correlated with symptoms, activity, and impact, especially in ages 55-69 years and 70-84 years. No correlation was found between gender, comorbidities, and alcohol consumption. Higher C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels were associated with greater impact and activity limitations. Our research concluded that several factors might impact a patient's HRQoL with respiratory disease. Determining these factors in advance can help identify individuals who are more likely to have poorer HRQoL and make interventions that could improve patient outcomes.