Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation for adult with difficult-to-control asthma exposed to violence.

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> To evaluate the effects of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program on anxiety and depressive symptoms, general fatigue, hyperventilation syndrome and exercise tolerance in adult with difficult-to-control asthma previously exposed to violence (physical and/or sexual assaults, psychosocial stress and/or trauma). <b>Methods:</b> Data on 76 adults with difficult-to-control asthma who enrolled in an 8-week home-based PR program (weekly supervised 90-minute session) was retrospectively analysed. Participants were divided into those who have been exposed to violence (n=41, 54%) and those who have not (n=35, 46%). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and six-minute stepper test (6MST) were assessed at baseline and after PR. <b>Results:</b> At baseline, adults previously exposed to violence were younger (51 vs 59 years), more often females (90 vs 57%) and had higher anxiety symptoms (11.8 vs 8.4), general fatigue (29.9 vs 26.2) and hyperventilation symptoms compared to those who have not been exposed to violence (p&lt;0.05). Changes in the outcomes after PR are presenting in Table 1. <b>Table 1.</b> <b>Conclusion:</b> More than a half of adults with difficult-to-control asthma enrolling in PR has been exposed to violence, resulting in higher anxiety and fatigue.&nbsp;Both groups benefited from the program, showing the&nbsp;importance of recognizing violence in asthma to provide appropriate care.