EFFECTIVENESS OF A STRUCTURED PULMONARY INTERVENTION PROGRAM ON HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation, resulting in reduced functional capacity, recurrent exacerbations, and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Pulmonary interventions are recognized as effective non-pharmacological strategies for improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured pulmonary intervention program on health-related quality of life among patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Methods: A quantitative study employing a true experimental pre-test–post-test control group design was conducted among 120 COPD patients selected from respiratory care units of selected hospitals. Participants were randomly allocated into an intervention group (n = 60) and a control group (n = 60). Baseline demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The intervention group received a structured pulmonary intervention program comprising breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, chest physiotherapy, inspiratory muscle training, exercise training, energy conservation techniques, and disease-management education for eight weeks, while the control group received routine care. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvement in health-related quality of life following the pulmonary intervention program. The mean SGRQ score decreased from 62.48 ± 8.76 during the pre-test to 42.15 ± 7.84 during the post-test (t = 18.92, p < 0.001), indicating improved quality of life. In contrast, the control group showed no significant change. Post-test comparison revealed a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups (t = 12.46, p < 0.001). Significant improvements were also observed in physical functioning, symptom control, and psychosocial well-being. Baseline HRQoL was significantly associated with age, educational status, and smoking status, and disease severity, duration of COPD, hospitalization history, and comorbidities (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The structured pulmonary intervention program was effective in improving health-related quality of life among COPD patients. Integration of pulmonary rehabilitation-based interventions into routine COPD management is recommended to optimize patient outcomes and enhance overall well-being.