Perceived Spousal Support and Activities of Daily Living in Individuals With COPD.

Background: The relationship between perceived spousal support and activities of daily living in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unclear.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between spousal support perceived by those with COPD and their activities of daily living.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional and descriptive study. Data collection was conducted between September 2022 and April 2023. A Data Gathering Form, the Spousal Support Scale, and the London Chest Activity of Daily Living Scale were used to collect data. A total of 132 adults were included in this study.

Results: The mean (SD) scores of individuals with COPD for perceived spousal support and activities of daily living were 62.40 (14.66) and 32.91 (15.72), respectively. Levels of perceived spousal support and activities of daily living varied according to sex, employment status, admission to the emergency service or hospitalization, use of antidepressants, and the severity of the illness ( < .05). Those with better spousal support felt less dyspnea when performing the activities of daily living ( = -0.205,  < .05).

Conclusions: Knowing the potential factors affecting perceived spousal support and activities of daily living can provide an opportunity to determine appropriate strategies to increase the level of independence of individuals with COPD. Educational interventions to help spouses understand COPD may help increase spousal support.