Abstract

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are critical tools for the diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory diseases. However, patient compliance with the test affects the reliability of the results. This study was designed to analyze factors such as age, gender, and the presence of cardiopulmonary diseases that influence compliance with PFTs. This retrospective study evaluated factors affecting PFT compliance in patients referred by a pulmonologist between April and September 2024. Demographic characteristics, including age, gender, and the presence of cardiopulmonary diseases, were analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods. Among the patients, 89.3% demonstrated compliance. Non-compliance was notably higher in older individuals. Female gender emerged as an independent risk factor for PFT non-compliance. Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was linked to non-compliance in univariate analyses, it showed no independent effect in multivariate models. Conversely, patients with asthma exhibited better compliance. These findings highlight the need for tailored strategies to improve PFT compliance, especially for older adults, women, and patients with COPD. Implementing individualized support could enhance the reliability and diagnostic value of PFTs. Future research should explore additional psychosocial and behavioral factors to develop comprehensive interventions that address barriers to compliance.

Key words: Age, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, female gender, pulmonary function testing