Social support in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to cope with the impact of coping style

Abstract

Objective To investigate the impact on coping style of social support on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . Methods There were 62 elderly COPD patients assessed by WOCS and the Word Health Organization Quality of life BREF (WHOQC_BREF) assessment. Results The total scores fo 62 patients of SSRS, subjective support, objective support and support using degree respectively were ( 38.46 ± 7.83 ), ( 18.22 ± 4.13), ( 10.91 ± 1.51, (9.32 ± 1.40) . There were 24 cases lower than 35 points (low score group), 16 cases higher than45 points (high score group) , and22 cases between 35 and45 points. WHOQCL-BREF evaluation of physiological, psychological, social relations and environmental field of the high social support group were significantly higher than those of the low social support group (P ＜0.05 or P ＜0.01 ) . Conclusions The degree of social support has an important impact on COPD patients'coping style and life quality and good social support helps patients take an active approach to deal with and improve the quality of life. Key words: COPD; Social support; Coping style; Quality of life