Abstract

Objective: Asthma, because of its chronic nature, may adversely affect the life quality of patients leading to mental disturbances.

Material and Method: In this study, 100 asthmatic patients who were on follow-up at our clinic were enrolled. Demographic data, pulmonary function test results, medications and number of attacks per year were noted. Asthma control test (ACT) for disease control, Beck depression scale (BDS) for emotional well being and SF-36 questionnare for life quality assessment were obtained.

Results: The mean age was 55.6±14.9 years and 75 were female. Average duration of the disease was 8.8 years. The mean number of attacks per year was 1.5 and in 22 patients it was severe enough to require hospitalization. Sixty eight percent of the cases were not controlled as assessed by ACT. Compared to males, female patients had worse ACT values (p=0.043). The mean BDS value of the study population was 12.9±8.6, and it was higher in females than that in males (14.2±8.9, 9.1±6.3 respectively, p=0.01). Patients who did not work had higher BDS values than those who worked (p=0.03). Subjects having gastroesophageal reflux were identified to have higher BDS values and decreased physical functions (p<0.05). As the asthma control level worsened, vitality, social functions, difficulty in performing physical functions and mental health problems of the SF-36 questionnare were decreased.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that, when treating asthmatic patients, not only pulmonary function test results but also the quality of life and psychological aspects of the disease should be considered. (Tur Toraks Der 2011; 12: 139-44)