The relationship of shortness of breath, functional status, self-perception of well-being, and disease severity in perons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship of shortness of breath. functional status, self-perception of well-being. and disease severity in persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Using a descriptive design. persons with COPD (N=33), who were beginning an outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program. completed the Pulmonary Functional Status and Dyspnea Questionnaire (PFSDQ) and the Index of Well-Being (IWB). A positive correlation was found between levels of activity and levels of shortness of breath (r=.53). A negative correlation (r=-.59) was found between activity and selfperception of well-being. Almost no correlations were found between disease severity and activity (r=-.03). and shortness of breath (r=-.20). Margaret Newman's conceptualization of health as expanding consciousness and the dyspnea spiral as described by Petty and Tiep was supported.