[Social and housing conditions of patients with chronic respiratory failure treated in the ANTADIR Federation].

INTRODUCTION

Chronic respiratory failure (CRF) has an impact on quality of life because of respiratory handicap.

METHODS

The purpose of this study was to analyse the daily life and social activities of patients with CRF. A questionnaire was addressed to over 9000 patients being cared for in the ANTADIR homecare network, with over a 60% response rate.

RESULTS

The data showed that patients were old, and frequently had comorbidity. The predominant diagnosis was chronic obstructive airways disease (COPD) and the number of women in this population continues to increase. Respiratory handicap led to a loss of autonomy, a reduction in social activity and mobility of patients, but the impact differed markedly according to the cause of the respiratory failure, as well as age and social class. A typological study of behavioural characteristics revealed three groups of patients with contrasting profiles.

CONCLUSION

These results lead to recommendation for better management of social aspects of patient care in the ANTADIR network.