Relationship between social support and COPD GOLD groups

Abstract

Social isolation and debilitating symptoms are common in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although underexplored, a relationship between social support (SS) and health status might exist. This study explored the impact of COPD GOLD groups classification on SS.

A cross-sectional study was conducted. GOLD groups were determined according to the COPD Assessment Test. SS was assessed with the 6-item Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ). For each item, participants listed all people or institutions that support them in a given situation (quantity: 0-9 people) and how satisfied they were with that support (quality: 1 very dissatisfied to 6 very satisfied). The total score for quantity and quality was calculated using the median scores of the 6 items. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to explore if SS differed between GOLD groups.

67 people with COPD (69.1±9y; 81% ♂; FEV1 56.7±17.2pp; GOLD A, B, E: 37%, 54%, 9%, respectively) were included. Overall, the quantity of SS was low (1.5[1-2.3], mostly close relatives - 41% spouse and 29% children), but the quality was high (6[6-6]). SS was similar among GOLD groups for quantity ( (2)=0.01, p=0.995) and quality ( (2)=1.19, p=0.632) (Fig.1).

SS is low and non-diversified in people with COPD, regardless of symptom burden or exacerbation history. Strategies to improve SS might be important to consider in the daily management of COPD.