Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2025
Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Locus of control and breathlessness: a cross-sectional analysis of 28 730 people
Max Olsson1, Jacob Sandberg1,2, Slavica Kochovska3
1Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Palliative Medicine, Lund, Sweden.
Background:
Long-term pathological breathlessness is a life-limiting symptom that risks taking control of the individual's life. We aimed to evaluate how locus of control (LOC), an individual's perceived control of present and past life events, relates to breathlessness in a middle-aged general population.
Methods:
A population-based, cross-sectional analysis of people aged 50-64 years was conducted in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS). Breathlessness was measured using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) breathlessness scale. LOC was assessed using five-point scales related to work, life events, perceived future, treated by other people, past changes and life improvements. The LOC factors were dichotomised as having an external or internal LOC. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between external LOC and presence of moderate/severe breathlessness (mMRC ≥2). Associations between external LOC and higher breathlessness severity score (mMRC 0-4) were analysed using ordinal regression. The models were adjusted for age, sex, education level, pack-years of smoking, body mass index, lung function, depression and cardiorespiratory diseases.
Results:
Of 28 730 participants (52% women), 4% experienced breathlessness. Breathlessness was related to external LOC in relation to life events (odds ratio (OR) 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-1.71), future (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.53-2.34), treated unfairly (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.42-2.09), past changes (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.30-1.74) and life improvements (OR 2.91, 95% CI 2.35-3.59). External LOC was associated with increased breathlessness severity.
Conclusion:
External LOC is associated with experiencing worse breathlessness, and the identified LOC factors can be considered in future intervention studies aiming to reduce the suffering from breathlessness.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
01:23Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
01:17Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical...
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction