Abstract
Background: Dyspnea and fatigue are common symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and often limit the performance of activities of daily living, also known as functional status. However, it is unknown whether patients with COPD who live alone present a better functional status than those who live with their relatives or carers.
Objective: To compare the functional status of patients with COPD who live alone with those who do not.
Methods: Twenty-eight patients with COPD were divided into two groups: patients who live alone (LA, n=14) and patients who live with their relatives or carers (LRC, n=14). Functional status was evaluated by two questionnaires: London Chest Activity of Daily Living scale (LCADL) and Pulmonary Functional Status and Dyspnea Questionnaire – modified version (PFSDQ-M).
Results: No differences were observed in age, lung function, and functional exercise capacity between the groups (P≥0.05). Regarding functional status, there were no differences between the groups in any domain of the LCADL [Self-care (P=0.68); Domestic (P=0.46); Physical (P=0.63); Leisure (P=0.28)], as well as in total score (LA=27 [19-28] vs. LRC=30 [19-37] points; P=0.35). Additionally, no difference was observed in any domain of the PFSDQ-M either: dyspnea (P=0.31), fatigue (P=0.25) and symptoms (P=0.58).
Conclusion: Despite not having family support to perform their activities of daily living, patients with COPD who live alone do not present a better functional status than those who live with their relatives and carers, suggesting that physiological mechanisms may play a more important role in patients' functional limitation than their housing situation.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015