Provide psychological support programs

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 140 views

A Description of the Quality of Life of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Lung Diseases Stable in the Pulmonary Polyclinic of USU Hospital

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and limited airflow, COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. The disease is often associated with shortness of breath, chronic cough, and phlegm production, which can inhibit daily activities, trigger fatigue, and cause emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Understanding the quality of life of COPD patients is crucial in providing effective care and support.

Background

COPD is a preventable and treatable disease that occurs due to significant exposure to harmful particles or gas. The most common symptoms experienced by COPD patients include shortness of breath, chronic cough, and phlegm production. These symptoms can be debilitating, causing patients to feel panic and frustrated, leading to a reduction in physical activity to avoid worsening symptoms. The impact of COPD on a patient's quality of life is significant, and it is essential to understand the burden borne by patients due to this disease.

Research Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the quality of life of patients with COPD who are in a stable condition in the Pulmonary Polyclinic of USU Hospital. By knowing these conditions, it is expected to provide a clear picture of the patient's condition and assist in better care planning. This study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on COPD and its impact on patients' quality of life.

Methodology

This study uses a descriptive study design with a cross-sectional approach. Data collection was carried out with Consecutive Sampling technique, where primary data was taken through interviews using a questionnaire. A total of 53 respondents were involved in this study. The questionnaire used in this study was designed to gather information on patients' symptoms, physical activity, and emotional well-being.

Research Result

Of the total 53 respondents, only 8 respondents (15.1%) showed good quality of life, while 45 respondents (84.9%) experienced poor quality of life. This figure shows that the majority of COPD patients registered in the USU Hospital pulmonary polyclinic experienced a significant impact that reduced their quality of life. The results of this study highlight the need for more attention from medical staff and health systems to support patients in managing disease and improving their quality of life.

Analysis

The results showed that even stable COPD patients were still experiencing a decrease in quality of life. This may be related to the chronic nature of the disease, where the symptoms experienced can be fluctuating and affect the patient's psychological well-being. Poor mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can worsen physical symptoms experienced by patients. Therefore, it is essential for health institutions to provide psychological support programs that can help patients overcome the emotional challenges that arise due to their disease.

In addition, education to patients regarding the management of COPD symptoms is also very important. With the right knowledge, patients may be able to implement more effective strategies in managing their conditions, which in turn can improve the quality of life better. Health institutions should provide patients with access to education and support programs that can help them manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that most COPD patients examined have poor quality of life. This situation shows the need for more attention from medical staff and health systems to support patients in managing disease and improving their quality of life. With a more holistic approach to treatment, it is expected that COPD patients can feel improvements in their physical and mental conditions.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Provide psychological support programs: Health institutions should provide psychological support programs that can help patients overcome the emotional challenges that arise due to their disease.
Educate patients: Education to patients regarding the management of COPD symptoms is essential. With the right knowledge, patients may be able to implement more effective strategies in managing their conditions.
Improve access to care: Health institutions should improve access to care for COPD patients, including access to education and support programs.
Develop a holistic approach to treatment: A more holistic approach to treatment is needed to address the physical and emotional needs of COPD patients.

By implementing these recommendations, health institutions can improve the quality of life of COPD patients and provide them with the support they need to manage their disease effectively.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single hospital setting. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and conduct the study in multiple settings to increase the generalizability of the findings.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on developing effective interventions to improve the quality of life of COPD patients. This can include developing psychological support programs, educating patients on symptom management, and improving access to care. Additionally, future research should aim to investigate the impact of COPD on patients' quality of life in different settings and populations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the need for more attention from medical staff and health systems to support patients in managing disease and improving their quality of life. With a more holistic approach to treatment, it is expected that COPD patients can feel improvements in their physical and mental conditions. By implementing the recommendations made in this study, health institutions can improve the quality of life of COPD patients and provide them with the support they need to manage their disease effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Quality of Life

Q: What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

A: COPD is a chronic and progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and limited airflow due to interference with the airway or alveolar.

Q: What are the symptoms of COPD?

A: The most common symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, chronic cough, and phlegm production. These symptoms can be debilitating and affect a patient's quality of life.

Q: How does COPD affect a patient's quality of life?

A: COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life by inhibiting daily activities, triggering fatigue, and causing emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Q: What is the impact of COPD on a patient's mental health?

A: COPD can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Poor mental health conditions can worsen physical symptoms experienced by patients.

Q: What is the role of psychological support programs in COPD management?

A: Psychological support programs can help patients overcome the emotional challenges that arise due to their disease. These programs can improve a patient's mental health and well-being.

Q: How can education on symptom management improve a patient's quality of life?

A: Education on symptom management can help patients implement more effective strategies in managing their conditions, which in turn can improve their quality of life.

Q: What is the importance of access to care for COPD patients?

A: Access to care is essential for COPD patients, including access to education and support programs. Health institutions should improve access to care for COPD patients to improve their quality of life.

Q: What is a holistic approach to treatment for COPD?

A: A holistic approach to treatment for COPD involves addressing the physical and emotional needs of patients. This approach includes providing psychological support programs, educating patients on symptom management, and improving access to care.

Q: How can health institutions improve the quality of life of COPD patients?

A: Health institutions can improve the quality of life of COPD patients by providing psychological support programs, educating patients on symptom management, and improving access to care. A more holistic approach to treatment is also essential.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size and a single hospital setting. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and conduct the study in multiple settings to increase the generalizability of the findings.

Q: What are the future research directions for COPD and quality of life?

A: Future research should focus on developing effective interventions to improve the quality of life of COPD patients. This can include developing psychological support programs, educating patients on symptom management, and improving access to care.

Q: What is the conclusion of this study?

A: This study highlights the need for more attention from medical staff and health systems to support patients in managing disease and improving their quality of life. With a more holistic approach to treatment, it is expected that COPD patients can feel improvements in their physical and mental conditions.