Predictors of self-care management in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are potentially more susceptible to severe outcomes of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, it is crucial for individuals with COPD to maintain their self-care management practices during the pandemic. This research aimed to determine the predictors of self-care management in patients with COPD during the pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 173 hospitalized COPD patients at a hospital in Istanbul, Turkiye. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic Characteristics and Illness Data Form, the Self-Care Management Process in Chronic Illness (SCMP-G) scale, and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). RESULTS: The mean age of the individuals with COPD was 64.31 +/- 13.38 years; 59% were male. The mean SCMP-G total score was 116 +/- 9.52. The patient's age, status of applying for a health check-up during the pandemic, and family type were significant predictors of self-guarding (p<0.001). The CAT score, the patient's status of applying for a health check-up during the pandemic, and the existence of a chronic illness other than COPD were significant predictors of social guarding (p<0.001). The CAT score and the patient's status of applying for a health check-up during the pandemic were significant predictors of self-care management (p<0.001). CAT mean scores were significantly higher among those who did not go for a check-up during the pandemic (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The self-care management score was moderate in this sample of patients with COPD. Patients with COPD who went to regular health check-ups during the pandemic had better self-care management and disease outcomes.