The relationship between COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores and Distress Thermometer (DT) results in COPD patients

Introduction. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that affects over 2 million adults in Poland. In recent years, increasing attention has been focused on improving the quality of life of patients with COPD, which includes alleviating their physical discomfort and relates to their mental health. It is therefore critically important to evaluate research tools that can accurately assess the relationship between the physical and mental health of patients with this disease. Objective. This aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and the Distress Thermometer and Problem List results in COPD patients. Materials and Method. The research evaluated 70 patients with COPD as defined by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD) criteria. Demographic data was obtained at baseline. Disease-specific quality of life was assessed using the CAT score, while overall distress was determined using the Distress Thermometer (DT) scale and a modified Problem List. The relationship between the CAT scores and the results of the Distress Thermometer and Problem List was statistically compared. The study was approved by the Bioethics Committee, and all patients provided written informed consent. Results. The mean +/- SD age was 69.6 +/- 9.05 (range 47-90) years. The average distress level was 4.09 +/- 1.95. A significant relationship was established between the CAT score and the results of the Distress Thermometer Scale (p<0.001); patients with higher CAT scores showed the highest level of distress. Conclusions. CAT was shown to be a simple, fast and clear measurement of disease-specific quality of life and was correlated with levels of distress in patients with COPD. Every patient with COPD should be evaluated using a scale such as the DT to measure their level of psychological distress.