European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes significant mortality and morbidity
worldwide and in India. It is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. Better health
care seeking behaviour may halt the progression of disease and improve their quality of life. This study
assesses health care seeking behaviour of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and factors affecting it.
Material and methods: All 205 patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using
spirometry in a large community based study were enquired about their health care seeking behaviour.
Chronic lung disease severity index was used to assess the severity of symptoms. Sociodemographic data
was also recorded. Factors affecting their healthcare were enquired of using a semi-structured
questionnaire.
Results: Large number of patients were under diagnosed and untreated. Public sector was preferred with
being asymptomatic or few symptoms and high cost being major barriers for not taking treatment. Severe
symptoms, later stages of disease, lower standard of living & those living in rural areas had a significantly
lower treatment seeking behaviour.
Conclusion: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were having poor health care seeking
behaviour.