Resumo

RAMIREZ-VELEZ, Robinson. Quality of life and social support for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2007, vol.9, n.4, pp.568-575. ISSN 0124-0064.

Objective Describing patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, their quality of life and their respective social support network. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of patients (n=22) fulfilling the inclusion criterion. Quality of life regarding health was determined by using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and the Duke-UNC scale for the social support network. Results The patients' average age was 67,0±9,9. Gender distribution was 8 male (36,4 %) and 14 female patients (63,6 %). The highest point-scores for quality of life on the Nottingham Health Profile subscales were obtained for sleep (42,3±30,8), emotional reactions (40,2±25,7) and mobility (38,4±33,5) whilst the lowest point-score was obtained on the social isolation subscale (23,6±19,4). There was good emotional social support (55,1 % of patients) but limited confidential social support (44,9 % of patients). Conclusions Women showed worse perception regarding their state of health and quality of life than men. The following dimensions being mostly affected: sleep, emotional reactions, energy and mobility. Just over half the patients referred to having acceptable social support; emotional support was greater than confidential support.

Palavras-chave : Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; health-related quality of life; social support.

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