Abstract

Objective: The main goal of this study is to compare the Quality of Life (QoL) of Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients between three different regions: the
United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK) and Morocco. Another aim of this
research is to assess the predictive factors correlated to the QoL and study the extent of
their involvement as well as any possible interaction between them. It is also designed to
compare the QoL of control group (healthy individuals) among the same countries.
Methods: A total of 1800 subjects were recruited including stable COPD patients (n=430),
and a control group (n=1370) from the UK, Morocco and the UAE. St George’s Respiratory
Questionnaire (SGRQ) was the instrument used to evaluate the QoL, while Mahler
Dyspnoea Index was used to assess the dyspnoea. Lung functions were measured by a
standardised Vitalograph spirometer, while a hand grip dynamometer was used to measure
the muscle strength. Data was analysed using ANOVA Post Hoc test to compare the QoL
between the centres and linear regression analysis used to assess the effect of various
variables upon the QoL scores components. Extra questions were asked to the patients to
study their awareness of their condition and its management, which have been tested using
chi-square statistical method.
Results: Our results show that differences in the QoL between the countries exist. The UK
had better overall QoL than Morocco and the UAE, with no significant difference between
genders. How well total SGRQ scores were predicted by BMI, dyspnoea index, total muscle
grip and pulmonary function were assessed and the results indicated that age, total muscle
grip, FVC% predicted, and dyspnoea index are significantly associated with the QoL.
Regarding the control groups, our results indicated that there was a highly significant
difference in all variables between the three countries.
Conclusion: Muscle grip, age, dyspnoea and FVC% predicted are good predictors of QoL in
COPD patients. Patients’ QoL deteriorates with older age and increased dyspnoea. COPD
patients with poor QoL experience muscle weakness and poor lung function. There was
clearly a difference between the QoL of COPD patients in the three regions and the reason
behind this is mainly due to the socio-economic status and the health care system followed
in each country rather than the demographic location.