ASSESSING EFFECTS OF ASTHMA ON PATIENTS’ FUNCTIONAL STATUS AND LIFE

Asthma is an inflammatory disease in respiratory system with ill effects on
psychological, social and economic status. This study was conducted to assess of effects of asthma
disease on the performance of patients.
Materials & Methods: This descriptive study included 400 asthma patients in educational hospitals of
Karaj using simple random sampling method during 2008-2009. Data collection tool was a
questionnaire consisting of two sections that assessed demographic characteristics and functional
status (social , economic and psychological status). The data were analysed by SPSS statistical
software.
Results: The findings showed that the majority of samples were women, married and non smokers.
There was a significant relationship between: age (p=0.00), marital status (p=0.001) psychological
status , educational level and social status (p=0.00) , economic status (p= 0.0026) and psychological
status (p=0.00) , duration of disease and social status (p=0.049) , history of addiction and
psychological status (p=0.049) , asthma severity and social function (p=0.049). But there was no
significant correlation between asthma severity and economic, emotional status, sex and
hospitalization.
Conclusion: It is recommended to evaluate asthma patients function periodically as part of the care.