The Correlation between Functional Parameters (6-Minute Walk Test) and Life Quality of Silicosis Patients: Case Study in the Jerada City in Morocco

Abstract

Introduction: Silicosis is pneumoconiosis secondary to the inhalation of mineral dust containing silica. It represents a real public health problem in the city of Jerada.Purposes: To assess the functional parameters of silicosis patients (based on the 6-minute walk test (6MWT)) and their impact on our patients' quality of life (Saint George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD)).Materials and methodology: This is a cross-sectional study of 147 patients with silicosis, designed to collect their socio-demographic data, to assess their respiratory function (6MWT) and their quality of life (SGRQ).Findings: The average age of our patients was 64.08 +/- 6.46 years [46 -81]. At 6MWT, the mean distance walked by our patients is 326.8 +/-168.47 m (30 - 835) or 59% of the predicted distance, with a median of 360m. The mean total Saint George score (SGT) was 68.02 +/- 19.54%. The means of the other Saint George scores were: symptoms (SGS): 45.95 +/- 23.66%, activities (SGA): 79.58 +/- 19.8%, and impact (SGI): 68, Results: The average age of our patients was 64.08 +/- 6.46 years [46 -81]. At 6MWT, the mean distance walked by our patients is 326.8 +/-168.47 m (30 - 835) or 59% of the predicted distance, with a median of 360m. The mean total Saint George score (SGT) was 68.02 +/- 19.54%. The means of the other Saint George scores were: symptoms (SGS): 45.95 +/- 23.66%, activities (SGA): 79.58 +/- 19.8%, and impact (SGI): 68.32 +/- 22.33%. We found a statistically significant relationship between dyspnea, quality of life, anxiety and walking distance.Conclusion: The study demonstrated that silicosis is a pulmonary disease which causes significant functional limitation and deterioration of life quality.