Application of COPD Assessment Test (CAT) to Assess Health Status of COPD Patients– Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT) is a very simple and reliable symptom-based tool to assess the health status of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. The current study was conducted to assess the utility of CAT in COPD patients during their routine checkups and its association with clinical parameters.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in COPD patients visiting a private chest outpatient clinic. Where the patient-specific data related to spirometry and symptomatic assessment (using CAT and modified medical research council (mMRC) scale) was collected. For the statistical analysis, a student’s t-test or ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal Wallis test were used.
Results: A total of 66 patients were included in the study having a mean age of 60.64 ±13.44 years. The mean score CAT in study participants was 28.89 ± 7.66 whereas the mean mMRC score was 3.14 ± 0.68. Most patients were categorized into stage III (54.5%) and Stage IV (30.3%) according to the Global Initiative of Chronic Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. of The CAT score was significantly associated with the mMRC score (p<0.001) and GOLD severity stages (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The CAT score can be more suitable in the routine assessment of the health status of patients with COPD in developing countries like Pakistan, where spirometry facilities are not available or affordable by the majority of patients.