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Fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Kersti Theander1, Mitra Unosson
1Department of Medicine and Care, Division of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. kersti.theander@liv.se
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|January 7, 2004
Summary
Fatigue significantly impacts daily life for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This common symptom affects cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functioning, necessitating professional assessment and management.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Fatigue is a common yet understudied symptom in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Limited research objectively assesses patient perceptions of fatigue and its impact on daily life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, duration, and severity of fatigue in COPD patients.
- To compare the impact of perceived fatigue on cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functioning between COPD patients and controls.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Fatigue Impact Scale and structured questionnaires.
- Mailed surveys to 44 COPD outpatients and 88 matched controls.
- Achieved a response rate of 36 patients and 37 controls.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of COPD patients (47.2%) reported daily fatigue, compared to 13.5% of controls (P < 0.001).
- Over half of patients experienced fatigue lasting >6 hours, significantly impacting their quality of life.
- COPD patients reported a substantially greater impact of fatigue on cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functioning (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Fatigue is highly prevalent in COPD patients and significantly affects their functional status.
- The findings underscore the need for professional assessment and management strategies for fatigue in COPD.