Coping With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Together: A Dyadic Study of Self-Care and Quality of Life in Patients and Their Caregivers

Abstract

Aim

To investigate the relationship between self-care and quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their caregivers.

Design

A multicentre, cross-sectional study.

Methods

COPD patients and their caregivers were recruited from four tertiary hospitals in Jinan, Shandong Province, China from March to November 2022. Data collection included demographic and clinical characteristics, patients' self-care, caregivers' contribution to patient self-care, and QOL. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, Pearson correlations and Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) analyses.

Results

A total of 275 valid questionnaires were collected (patients: 67.6% male, mean age 70.5; caregivers: 58.5% female, mean age 54.2). APIM analyses revealed actor effects of self-care on QOL for both patients and caregivers, as well as partner effects indicating the influence of one's self-care on the partner's QOL.

Conclusion

This study elucidates the dyadic relationship between self-care and QOL in COPD patients and caregivers. Higher levels of self-care maintenance by both patients and caregivers were associated with improved physical and mental QOL. Conversely, increased self-care monitoring was correlated with reduced QOL for both patients and caregivers. No significant relationship was found between self-care management and QOL.

Implications for the Profession

For healthcare professionals specialising in geriatric care, our research provides more valuable guidance for the nursing of COPD patients. While maintaining vigilance is essential for both COPD patients and caregivers, our study suggests that excessive monitoring may have adverse effects on QOL, though this impact may vary depending on the underlying need for monitoring. This underscores the importance of tailored interventions that balance necessary vigilance with the potential risks of over-monitoring. By carefully considering the motivations behind monitoring, professionals can better support both patients and caregivers, ultimately enhancing self-care, improving QOL and contributing to healthy ageing.

Reporting Method

The STROBE checklist was used to report the present study.

Patient or Public Contribution

During the research design phase, we conducted interviews with patients and caregivers to capture pertinent issues related to their daily self-care routines. This initial step allowed us to gain an understanding of the potential differences between patients' self-care levels and caregivers' contributions to patients' self-care, while also exploring the potential impact on their health. Prior to data collection, we conducted a pilot study to identify any shortcomings in the research design and made corresponding adjustments. The phrasing of questions in the questionnaire was refined based on the feedback from patients and caregivers. During the interpretation phase, we solicited feedback from a subset of patients and caregivers to further validate our findings, thereby enhancing the clarity and relevance of our results for the target audience.