Differences in anxiety and depression according to gender in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease submitted to a pulmonary rehabilitation program

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is related to a decrease in quality of life and an increase in depression and anxiety among these patients. Objectives: To compare the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) among men and women with COPD regarding levels of anxiety and depression and quality of life Methods: One hundred and fourteen moderate to severe COPD patients were evaluated. First of all, we evaluated thirty-three patients before a pulmonary rehabilitation program (pre-PRP) and after PRP (post-PRP). Afterwards, we compared fifty-two patients that were in the PRP for more than 3 months with twenty-nine patients who were never submitted to any physical activity. All patients were assessed by Saint George9s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: Men had moderate depression score that was improved after PRP and women also had moderate depression but no improvement after PRP. Men decreased their mild anxiety score after PRP and women did not have any response. On the other hand, men didn´t improve the quality of life but women had a significant decrease in SGRQ score. Both genders improved their performance in the 6MWT. Concerning patients who were in continuous PRP training and those who did not perform physical activity, the levels of anxiety and depression did not differ. Conclusions: PRP improved depression and anxiety levels in men and the quality of life in women.These results suggest that PRP might have a different impact in life of men and women.