Abstract

Introduction

The goal of this study was to see if the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Assessment Test (CAT) score was beneficial in determining the severity of COPD patients. It produces a score that reflects the impact of the condition on their health status. GOLD guideline (2013) recommends CAT above other respiratory questionnaires since it is regarded to be a better assessment tool.

Methods

Cross-sectional study conducted in Karnali Academy of Health Sciences,Jumla (Nepal) who presented with COPD exacerbation. A validated CAT questionnaire in the local language (Nepali) was employed and completed by the patient,then the total CAT score was calculated and grouped into four impact levels. Data was evaluated using descriptive statistics (such as percentage and mean) and Pearson's correlation tests to compare means.

Results

Out of 55 patients, 52.7% were females, all had firewood exposure with current smoking history more prevalent in the high-impact group 0.5%. At 3 months, the median number of COPD exacerbations was 2 (range: 0–90) with median CAT score 30 (range: 17–37). Patients were divided into severity groups based on their CAT scores. 47.3% were in the high impact group, whereas none were in the low impact group. The "very high impact" group had a considerably higher median number of exacerbations than the other high impact and medium groups (5 vs. 2 and 0) respectively with p<0.001. In the "very high impact" group, significant use of inhalers in form of salbutamol or long acting bronchodilators in combination with steroid was seen.

Conclusion

CAT score was found higher in frequent exacerbates.Thus,useful in monitoring patients health status and treatment.