The Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sleep Quality as Predictors of Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common chronic respiratory disease and the fourth leading cause of death globally. Identifying factors affecting the quality of life of these patients as a key component in developing health-treatment policies can facilitate disease management and reduce its complications. Objectives: The present study aimed to identify some factors affecting the quality of life of COPD patients. Methods: This cross-sectional investigation was executed involving 110 individuals diagnosed with COPD. Referring to the respiratory clinics of teaching hospitals in Khuzestan province. They were selected using a convenience sampling method. The study instruments included the demographic checklist, the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Berlin Questionnaire (BQ), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software and Kolmogorov Smirnov, Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analyses. The level of statistical significance was established at 0.05. Results: The average age of the participants in the study was 54.59 ± 10.62. 40.9% of patients were at high risk of OSA. The mean sleep quality score was 6.55 ± 4.53, and 59.01% had poor sleep quality. The mean quality of life score was 53.86 ± 23.55, and 22.7% were at the weak level. The two variables, OSA (β = 0.361, P < 0.001) and sleep quality (β = 0.268, P < 0.001), collectively account for 27% of the variance observed in the quality of life variable (R2 = 0.271). Conclusions: Management of OSA risk and enhancement of sleep quality are regarded as critical factors in improving the quality of life for patients with COPD, thereby fostering greater productivity in their daily activities.