Assessment of The Level of Illness Perecepton Regarding General Health And Severity Of Disease Among Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseased

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the critical health challenges among respiratory disorders worldwide. Objectives: To assess the level of illness perception about overall health and disease severity among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: This study was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. Data was collected through purposive sampling technique from 137 patients visiting the pulmonary department of public hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. The data analysis was done through SPSS version 23. Results: The perception score was assessed through modified translated illness perception questionnaire (IPQ). The descriptive analysis was performed. Reliability and validity of the instruments was also ensured through meeting criteria of Cronbach Alpha, Bartlett’s test of Sphericity and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) values. The results of this study showed that overall perception of the patients regarding COPD disease was quite low as 72 (52.6%) of the total participants scored low in perception and 65 (47.4%) participants had good perception. Conclusions: The current study concluded that the perception related to health and disease is playing an important role in management of chronic illness. The study results showed the overall perception of the patient is poor which might be the reason of their anxiety and depression that ultimately leads to flare up attack more frequently, and they need to visit more often. So, there is a need to enhance patient’s understanding about their illness by giving them knowledge along with treatment that will change their perception regarding the course of illness and their perception regarding their health. It will also help patients in dealing with their symptoms at home.