Dynamic Changes in Self-Efficacy and Quality of Life in Elderly Athletes with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Following Community Rehabilitation Nursing

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of community rehabilitation nursing on elderly athletes with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), focusing on improvements in self-efficacy and quality of life.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 98 elderly patients with COPD treated in our community from September 2020 to August 2021. Patients were divided into two groups based on the type of nursing received. Forty-eight patients in the control group received routine nursing, while 50 patients in the observation group received community rehabilitation nursing in addition to routine care. We compared the effects of these nursing approaches on various health outcomes.

Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, quality of life, deep inspiratory volume, 6-minute walking distance, lung function, and self-efficacy scores after 3 and 6 months of nursing (P < 0.05). Improvements were more pronounced after 6 months compared to 3 months (P < 0.05). The observation group exhibited notably better outcomes in CAT scores, quality of life, deep inspiratory volume, 6-minute walking distance, lung function indicators, and self-efficacy than the control group at both the 3- and 6-month marks (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower, and satisfaction with nursing significantly higher in the observation group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Community rehabilitation nursing significantly enhances symptom management, exercise tolerance, and lung function in elderly athletes with COPD, while also boosting their self-efficacy and quality of life. This approach reduces adverse reactions and is highly valued by patients, making it an effective strategy for managing COPD in this active elderly population.