The relationships between the fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress and dyspnea during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with COPD: Preliminary findings of a prospective study

Abstract

<b>Background and aim:</b> Besides the threat and destruction caused by Covid-19 at the physical level, the perception of stress caused by individuals makes it necessary to be addressed psychologically.The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between the fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress and dyspnea during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with COPD. <b>Methods:</b> An online survey was sent to patients by e-mail. A total of 33 patients with COPD, 12 (36.4%) females and 21 (63.6%) males have filled out the online survey yet. The online survey contained the questions for demographic and clinical information, the modified Borg scale (mBORG) to assess dyspnea, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). <b>Results:</b> The mean age of the patients was 60.1±8.4 years. Patients9 PSS-10 score and mBORG averages were 21.2±3.2, 5.8±1.9, respectively. There are strong positive correlations between the fear of COVID-19 and PSS-10 score (r=0.799, p&lt;0.001) and mBORG score (r=0.691, p&lt;0.001). In addition, there is a strong positive correlation between PSS-10 and mBORG (r=0.780, p&lt;0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> In terms of suppressing the immune system, stress may cause serious health deterioration, especially in respiratory diseases such as COPD. In this study, it has been proven that there are significant relationships between fear of COVID-19 and stress and dyspnea in patients with COPD. To our knowledge, this study is the first using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale in COPD patients. Further studies are needed on what kind of negative consequences stress causes in COPD patients with the fear of COVID-19.