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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disease in which airflow is obstructed. This obstruction is usually progressive and irreversible. Also; COPD is a significant cause of disability, mortality, and impaired health-related quality of Health-related quality of life refers to enjoyment of life, sense of well being, and ability to perform various daily tasks, while COPD patients usually have poor quality of life. They are usually suffering from chronic symptoms as cough, dyspnea, chest wAim of the Study:The present study was conducted to assess patients’ knowledge about COPD as well as their knowledge about management strategies and evaluate health-related quality of life in COPD patients, which might affect their management.Design:An evaluative research design was used to achieve the aim of the study.Subjects and Setting:The present study was carried out at Zagazig University Hospitals in the Out Patient Chest Clinic and Chest Disease Department. A total number of 100 patients with COPD, who attended the mentioned settings from February to April 2004 for treatment and folTools of Data Collection:To achieve the aim of this study, a questionnaire sheet was developed by the investigator and adopted from previous references in Arabic form to prevent misunderstanding. It was used for collection of data of the study sample.The findings of the present study revealed that:-• The total correct knowledge of COPD patients about their disease was low.• The patients’ knowledge was low regarding to weekly body weight, breathing exercise, and COPD definition.• The patients’ knowledge was low regarding to ideal diet therapy.• A significant relationship was found between patients’ knowledge and their level of education regarding to management strategies, breathing exercise, weekly body weight, and complications of COPD.• The majority of impact of COPD on the study subjects health and function were regarding to the occurrence of COPD symptoms, their jobs have been affected and they became dependent on their family members.• Patients with COPD were suffering from severe impairment in performing activities of daily living.• Most COPD patients were suffering from psychological disturbance.• A significant relationship was found between the COPD patients’ health condition and impairment while performing their activities of daily living.• A statistically significant relationship was found between psychological disturbance among COPD patients and impairment in performing activities of daily living.• A statistically significant relationship was found between smoking and impairment in performing activities of daily living.In conclusion, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects health-related quality of life in all domains (physical, social, psychological, and spiritual). So, health education and rehabilitation program are important for COPD patients to improve their H
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