Introduction:
The study aimed to determine if quality of life was affected by urinary symptoms, respiratory and emotional functions, or socio-demographic variables among people with chronic respiratory diseases who attended a healthcare visit in a primary care program in Santiago de Chile.

Methods:
The observational cross-sectional study included 93 patients (62 with asthma and 31 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life, and a self-report questionnaire reported the comorbidities (arterial hypertension, depression, diabetes mellitus, and lower back pain). The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form and the modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale served to assess urinary incontinence and respiratory symptoms, respectively. Data were analysed with hierarchical multiple linear regression.

Results:
Urinary incontinence occurred in 31.2% of the participants, mainly while coughing or sneezing (n = 24). Around 66.6% of them self-reported their health status as regular/bad/very bad. The presence of urinary incontinence, depression, and higher dyspnoea (R² = 0.54) was associated with worse quality of life.

Conclusions:
Urinary incontinence, depressive symptoms, and higher dyspnoea negatively impact on the quality of life of people with chronic respiratory diseases and require more attention in clinical management and research.