Quality of Life, Anxiety and Depression among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and their Spouses

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could have a negative impact on quality of life (QoL) and is associated with anxiety and depression in both patients and informal caregivers. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between anxiety, depression and QoL of both Jordanian patients with COPD and their spouses. The selected design used in this study was a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design. A total of 67 patients and spouses were interviewed in 2011, using self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied. Bivariate correlation analysis was undertaken to examine the relationship between variables. The results showed that patients and spouses with high levels of anxiety and depression reported a poor QoL. Patients had a lower QoL than their spouses. A better understanding of patient and spouse psychological wellbeing and QoL will provide nurses with the information needed in terms of developing strategies for reducing patients' and spouses' anxiety and depression and thus improve their QoL. The health-service agencies and government should improve policy by improving family-centred services for both patients and spouses.