Effects of Particulate Matter Education on Self-Care Knowledge Regarding Air Pollution, Symptom Changes, and Indoor Air Quality among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

The burden of illness resulting from adverse environmental exposure is significant. Numerous studies have examined self-care behaviors among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but seldom assess these behaviors in relation to air pollution. The study aims to examine the effects of particulate matter (PM) education on prevention and self-care knowledge regarding air pollution, symptom changes, and indoor PM concentration levels among patients with COPD. A longitudinal, quasi-experimental design using a generalized estimating equation examined the effectiveness of the education intervention. Participants were 63 patients with COPD, of whom only 25 received intervention. Levels of PM2.5 and PM10 decreased in the first-month follow-up in the experimental group. Improvement of knowledge and prevention regarding PM in the first and third months were also greater in the experimental group compared to the control. Regarding the COPD assessment test and physical domain scores, the experimental group exhibited a greater improvement in the first-month follow-up. Scores on the psychological domain significantly changed in the sixth-month follow-up. The PM education coordinated by nurses improved the health of participants, maintaining six-month effects. Further studies should evaluate the practice barriers and effects of health education on preventive self-care behaviors regarding indoor PM among patients with COPD.

Air quality self-management in asthmatic patients with COPD: An integrative review for developing nursing interventions to prevent exacerbations

“…The Particulate Matter Education program, coordinated by nurses, improved participants’ health, maintaining six-month effects on self-care knowledge regarding air pollution, symptom changes, and indoor air quality among patients with COPD. It improved their environments in terms of air pollution and enhanced their self-prevention knowledge and CAT scores [ 57 ]. For asthmatic patients, a nursing educational program improves their self-care knowledge, use of inhalers, self-monitoring of asthma control, avoidance of asthma triggers, and ability to perform daily activities [ 58 ].…”

Assessing the association between daily self-reported health symptoms and mental health among respiratory patients during high-pollution period in Thailand

“…In order to minimize the risk of exposure to pollution, it has been advised that people spend as much time at home as possible. Hence, during periods of high pollution, the feeling of isolation and the concern of worsening pulmonary exacerbation may have a detrimental impact on mental health [23].…”

Validity and Reliability of Turkish Version of Bristol COPD Knowledge Questionnaire (BCKQTR)/

“…COPD is a chronic disease in which multiple symptoms are seen together, where patients' selfmanagement and self-management and symptom management can be achieved. In order to improve the self-care and self-management skills of the patients, it is necessary to plan trainings in this regard (Guo et al,2020). In order for the trainings to be planned, it should be determined what patients know and not (Stellefson et al, 2018).…”