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

Abstract

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. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.