Evaluation of psychosocial benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with significant symptom burden, impaired quality of life, and psychosocial morbidity. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a recommended non-pharmacological intervention, but evidence focusing on its psychosocial benefits remains limited. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of hospital-based outpatient PR on psychosocial parameters and health-related quality of life in patients with COPD receiving standard pharmacotherapy. This before-after interventional study included 50 male patients with stable COPD who underwent a structured outpatient PR program for 24 weeks in addition to standard medical therapy. Assessments were performed at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Psychosocial outcomes were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and quality of life was assessed using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire-COPD-specific version (SGRQ-C). Statistical analysis was performed with significance set at p<0.05. PR led to significant improvements in psychosocial and quality-of-life outcomes. Mean HADS anxiety and depression scores showed significant reductions at 12 and 24 weeks compared to baseline (p<0.001). Quality-of-life scores improved significantly, with reductions in CAT and SGRQ-C scores at follow-up (p<0.001). A marked reduction in COPD exacerbations and hospital admissions was also observed during the study period. Hospital-based outpatient PR significantly improves psychosocial well-being and health-related quality of life while reducing morbidity in patients with COPD, supporting its routine integration into comprehensive COPD care.