Ola Bratås, Geir Arild Espnes, Toril Rannestad, Rolf Walstad
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-0512

Objective: To identify and compare objective and self-perceived characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who do and do not choose rehabilitation.
Subjects: The study comprised 205 consecutive patients with mild to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They chose either inpatient rehabilitation (n = 161) or ordinary outpatient consultations (n = 44).
Measurements: Disease severity was assessed with spirometric tests, health-related quality of life was assessed with the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, and mental status was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Socio-demographic and social characteristics, and co-morbidity variables were available.
Results: Patients in the rehabilitation group had a lower level of overall health-related quality of life (63. 8 vs 47. 6, p = 0. 000) and a higher prevalence of anxiety (34. 6% vs 13. 6%, p = 0. 007) than the outpatients. The outpatients received more psychological support from spouse/partner than patients in the rehabilitation group (70. 5% vs 49. 1%, p = 0. 012). There were no differences in disease severity and co-morbidity.
Conclusion: The decision to choose rehabilitation may be determined by impaired health-related quality of life, psychological distress and lack of psychological support from a significant other. Our findings suggest that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are conscious of their overall health status and the necessary treatment to maintain or improve it.