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<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. Both groups benefited from the program, showing the importance of recognizing violence in asthma to provide appropriate care.
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