Association of Depression with Body Mass Index in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

There are several reports on the association between body mass index (BMI) and depression in the general population and in patients with some chronic diseases. However, despite the established effects of weight changes and depression on the outcomes of patients suffering from respiratory disorders, little data exists on the topic in relation to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study assessed the relationship between BMI and depression in patients with COPD. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 148 COPD patients admitted to the chest clinic of Baqiyatallah Hospital from October 2006 to February 2007. Patients were selected by systematic sampling. Demographic data (gender, age, marital status, monthly income and level of education), clinical data (symptoms, and medications), spirometric findings (VC, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF, MMEF, predicted VC, predicted FVC, and predicted FEV1), depressive symptoms assessed by "Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale" (HADS), and body mass index (BMI) were recorded for each patient. Patients were divided into three groups. Group I had (GOLD) stage I; FEV1³ 80%, group II had GOLD stage II, 50% £ FEV1<80% and group III had GOLD stage III, FEV1< 50%. The two-by-two correlations between BMI, depressive symptoms and pulmonary function indices were evaluated separately. A significant association was found between BMI and depressive symptoms (r=0.429, P<0.001), but not between pulmonary indices and BMI or the severity of depressive symptoms. There was a significant correlation between BMI and depressive symptoms indicating the important effect of mental health on weight in COPD patients. A multidisciplinary approach by a team of specialists from different disciplines is mandatory to address these factors in COPD patients. (Tanaffos 2007; 6(3): 47-53)