Purpose: This study explored the lived experiences of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) following hospitalization for acute exacerbation or pneumonia. Design and Method: A phenomenological approach was adopted to collect data through semistructured interviews. Fourteen participants were recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan.

Aims and objectivesThe objective of this study was to change the anthropometric, clinical, biochemical indicators and the rate of metabolic syndrome among obese adults in community.BackgroundObesity is an indicator of metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic diseases. Obesity increases national health care expenditure in Taiwan. The high prevalence of obesity is not only a public health issue but also an economic problem. Changes in lifestyle can help to prevent metabolic syndrome for individuals with obesity.DesignA randomised controlled trial was applied.MethodsIn this randomised controlled trial by location, 136 metabolically abnormal obese individuals were included. The related indicators with metabolic syndrome were measured at baseline and after six months. The experimental group participated in a six‐month community‐based programme including provided exercise environments, exercise skills and volunteers' reminding. The control group was only provided environment and skills.ResultsOne hundred and thirty‐one participants completed this trail. In comparison with the baseline, the intervention group showed a significant increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (2·34 mg/dl), and decrease in body weight (1·09 kg), waist circumference (3·63 cm), systolic blood pressure (10·52 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (5·21 mmHg), fasting blood glucose (5·84 mg/dl) and body mass index (0·74 kg/m2). In the control group, significant decrease in body mass index and waist circumference were discovered. Compared to the changes between the two groups, the results showed there were significant differences in waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.ConclusionsThe community‐based intervention could help to improve high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, reduce body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose in metabolically abnormal obese.Relevance to clinical practiceThis community‐based programme helped metabolically abnormal obese individuals become metabolically healthy. In the future, community nurses will work with village heads and volunteers. They can encourage residents in the communities to have healthy lifestyle. As a result, the goal of this programme will be successfully achieved with less time and effort.

This study shows regular exercise to be a significant predictor of depressive symptoms in both men and women. Therefore, senior citizens should be encouragedto exercise regularly as a way to promote good mental health.

No abstract