Social Participation and Associated Factors in Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Long-Term Oxygen Therapy

Abstract

Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) reduces hypoxaemia and mitigate systemic alterations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), however, it is related to inactivity and social isolation. Social participation and its related factors remain underexplored in individuals on LTOT. This study investigated social participation in individuals with COPD on LTOT and its association with dyspnoea, exercise capacity, muscle strength, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and quality of life. The Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H) assessed social participation. The modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale, the 6-Minute Step test (6MST) and handgrip dynamometry were used for assessments. In addition, participants responded to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ). Correlation coefficients and multivariate linear regression analyses were applied. Fifty-seven participants with moderate to very severe COPD on LTOT were included (71 ± 8 years, FEV₁: 40 ± 17%predicted). Social participation was associated with dyspnoea (r_s=–0.46, p < 0.01), exercise capacity (r = 0.32, p = 0.03) and muscle strength (r = 0.25, p = 0.05). Better participation was also associated with fewer depression symptoms (r_s=–0.40, p < 0.01) and a better quality of life (r = 0.32, p = 0.01). Dyspnoea was an independent predictor of social participation (p < 0.01) on regression models. Restricted social participation is associated with increased dyspnoea, reduced muscle strength and exercise capacity. Better participation is associated with fewer depression symptoms and better quality of life in individuals with COPD on LTOT.

Keywords:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• oxygen inhalation therapy
• social participation

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for the invaluable contribution of participants and staff members of the Department of Home Care (DID) and the Support Center for Disabled People - Dr Octavio Soares (CADEF).

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no competing financial interests or personal relationships related to or influencing the work reported in this paper.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brazil [grant number 001], Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG). Programa de Pesquisa para o SUS (PPSUS) [grant number APQ-03921-17], and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Technológico (CNPq), Brazil [grant number 424542/2018-8].