Co-morbid association of depression and COPD: A population-based study

Summary 

Objectives

Depression occurs commonly among patients with COPD, but the independent association of depression and COPD and the effect of depression on COPD outcomes are not well established.

Method

A population sample of 2402 Chinese aged ≥55 with and without COPD (characteristic symptoms of chronic cough, sputum or breathlessness and airflow obstruction and FEV₁/FVC<0.70) was assessed on Geriatric Depression Scale (score≥5), dependence on basic activities of daily living (ADL), SF-12 health status, smoking and medication behaviour.

Results

The 189 respondents with COPD showed higher depressive symptoms prevalence (22.8%) than 2213 respondents without COPD (12.4%); multivariate odd ratio (OR) was 1.86; 95% CI, 1.25–2.75 after controlling for confounding risk factors. In multivariate analyses of respondents with COPD, those who were depressed (N=43), compared to those who were not (N=146), were more likely to report ADL disability (OR=2.89, p=0.049) poor or fair self-reported health (OR=3.35, p=0.004), poor SF-12 PCS scores (OR=2.35, p=0.041) and SF-12 MCS scores (OR=4.17, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms were associated with COPD independent of known risk factors. In COPD participants, depressive symptoms were associated with worse health and functional status and self-management.

Keywords: COPD, Depression, Respiratory symptom, Quality of life