Evaluation of Patient Knowledge and Attitudes Towards chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Management: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Effective management of COPD, relies on various factors, including patients' understanding of their condition. We aimed to assess patients' knowledge and attitudes towards COPD treatment to identify potential areas for improvement in patient education. <bold>Methods:</bold> A cross sectional study included 36 patients followed up for COPD in the pneumology consultation of Charles Nicolle Hospital in Decembe 2023. Patients were evaluated on their knowledge of COPD pathology and treatment modalities during a personal meeting. <bold>Results:</bold> The study population predominantly consisted of men (79%), smokers, with an average age of 65.2 years. Only one patient was able to identify the name of the disease, and none were aware of its chronic nature and underlying pathophysiology. Furthermore, patients demonstrated a limited understanding of COPD treatment, with none able to describe the nature of their medications. Exacerbation factors were unknown to 79% of patients, and 18.4% recognized the importance of smoking cessation in disease progression. While most patients were aware of rescue treatment and when to seek emergency medical care (76%). A significant proportion (73%) exhibited poor inhalation technique for treatment, with common errors including inadequate shaking, exhalation, inhalation, breath-holding, synchronization, and capsule checking. However, all patients recognized the value of therapeutic education, with over half (60.5%) reporting a better understanding of the disease following education sessions. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Therapeutic education initiatives can play a crucial role in addressing these knowledge gaps and improving patient outcomes in COPD.