Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Cross- Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v78i8.281935Keywords:
Ability to perform activities of daily living, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depressive symptoms, number of acute exacerbations, perceived stress related to COVID-19Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to examine predictors of depressive symptoms among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 patients diagnosed with COPD, with dyspnea severity ranging from stage 0 to 3 according to the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale. Participants were recruited from the pulmonary clinic and internal medicine outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Thailand. The majority of participants were male (81.7%), with ages ranging from 28 to 87 years. Data were collected using demographic and standardized questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms, perceived stress to COVID-19, functional ability in activities of daily living, social support, coping strategies, duration of illness, and severe acute exacerbation. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis.
Results: Overall, 24.8% of participants reported having depressive symptoms. The regression model explained 54.3% of the variance in depressive symptoms (R² = 0.543; F(8,193) = 28.7, p < 0.001). Three variables were identified as significant predictors: perceived stress related to COVID-19 (β = 0.41, p < 0.001), number of acute exacerbations in the previous year (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), and ability to perform activities of daily living (β = −0.15, p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Depressive symptoms among patients with COPD are influenced by a combination of disease-related clinical burdens, psychosocial stress, and functional limitations. Integrating routine screening for depressive symptoms along with interventions aimed at preventing exacerbations, reducing stress, and maintaining functional independence may improve mental health and overall well-being in this population.
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