Original research article
Stress associated with hospitalization in patients with COPD: the role of social support and health related quality of life
1 Psychology Department, Joan March Hospital, Ib-Salut, Cra. Palma-Soller Km.12.5. Bunyola, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain, CP: 07193
2 Psychology Department, University of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
3 Department of Respiratory Nursing, Joan March Hospital, Ib-Salut, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
4 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Joan March Hospital, Ib-Salut, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine 2012, 7:51 doi:10.1186/2049-6958-7-51
Published: 10 December 2012Abstract
Background
The objective of this study was to determine stress levels during hospitalization in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We wanted to relate stress to previous level of quality of life and patients’ Social Support.
Methods
80 patients (70.43; SD = 8.13 years old) with COPD were assessed by means of: Hospital Stress Rating Scale, Nottingham Health Profile, St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire and Social Support Scale.
Results
COPD patients’ stress levels are lower than expected independently from the severity or number of previous hospitalizations. Linear regression analysis shows the predictive value of Quality of Life and Social Support on stress level during hospitalization (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
HRQOL and social support can be associated with stress during hospitalization.
