Browsing by Author "Rocha, Isabel Francisca Dias da"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Assessment of aspects of Quality of Life in elderly asthmatic patients using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ)Publication . Rocha, Isabel Francisca Dias da; Barata, Luís Manuel Taborda; Fonseca, João AlmeidaIntroduction: Quality of Life in elderly asthmatics seems to be lower than that in younger asthmatics, due to a lower degree of disease control and the presence of co-morbidities. However, there are very few studies on Quality of Life in elderly asthmatics. The objectives of this study are to assess Quality of Life of elderly asthmatics and to determine factors that may influence it. Methods: The sample included individuals aged 65 and older, with the diagnosis of Bronchial Asthma, followed up at hospital outpatient clinics. After giving written informed consent, volunteers replied to some questionnaires: the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMES), the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and the Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT). Lung function was studied using spirometry and the presence of atopy was ascertained using skin prick tests and the in vitro allergen-specific IgE screening test (Phadiatop). Inhalational technique was evaluated by direct observation. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21.0®, and a p-value less than or equal to 0.05 was regarded as significant for all statistical tests. Results: Eighty three volunteers, with a mean age of 73.4 years were studied. Most were female, never smokers, overweight, with low level of schooling and social class and retired from the textile/woll industry. Elderly patients with non-atopic and late onset asthma predominated, showing a low degree of asthma symptom control. Most patients had errors in their inhalational technique. In general, Quality of Life was relatively high and was influenced by the degree of asthma control, as well as by the presence of heart failure and high blood pressure. Conclusion: Quality of Life in elderly asthmatics is relatively high, it is directly related to the degree of asthma control, and it is influenced by cardiovascular co-morbidities.