SELF-MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS OF COPD PATIENTS ATTENDING PULMONARY OUTPATIENT CLINICS

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is acknowledged worldwide as a major non-communicable disease (NCD) that leads to a gradual deterioration in health. It represents a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide, including in India. Methodology: A descriptive research study was carried out to evaluate the self-care needs of COPD patients attending the pulmonary OPD at Himalayan Hospital in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. The study involved 100 participants, selected through purposive sampling, with data gathered using a self-structured questionnaire checklist. Result: The Study findings shows that all the study participants maintaining oral hygiene and adequate nutrition. The majority of study participants reported symptoms: 73% had a cough, 66% had mucus sputum, 56% experienced chest congestion, and 63% reported fatigue. Majority study participants were not able to do self-care like bathing regularly, light exercises, rest, diaphragmatic breathing, expulsion of sputum. Conclusion: The study was concluded that majority study participants were not able to do self-care like bathing, exercise, rest and expulsion of sputum etc.  So, during the patients visit in OPD, nurses can teach about importance of hygienic care, light exercises, diaphragmatic breathing and techniques of sputum expulsion easily to all.