The relationship between fatigue and daily life activities in patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between fatigue and daily living activities in patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The descriptive study was conducted with 132 patients diagnosed with COPD who applied to a state hospital between January and July 2025. Permission was obtained from the ethics committee, institution and patients before the study. Data for the study were collected using a questionnaire, the Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale (KADLS), and the COPD and Asthma Fatigue Scale (CAFS). A KADLS score of 13-18 indicates independence, 7-12 indicates partial independence, and 0-6 indicates dependence. It is accepted that as the score on the scale increases, dependence decreases, and as the score decreases, difficulty in performing daily living activities and dependence increase. The KAYÖ ranges from 0 to 100 points, and an increase in the score indicates a high level of fatigue in the individual. The t-test, ANOVA, Tukey Post Hoc, Tamhane's T2 and Levene Tests, Pearson Correlation Coefficient, Linear Regression, and Binary Logistic Regression analysis were used in the evaluation of the data obtained. The significance level was accepted as p<0.05. The mean age of the patients was 66.12±12.73, the mean duration of COPD diagnosis was 9.29±7.69 years, the mean KAYÖ score was 65.89±20.85, and the mean KGAYÖ total score was 15.53±3.80. It was determined that patients had fatigue scores above the moderate level, the majority were independent, and there was a negative and moderately significant relationship between the total KAYÖ score and the total KGYAÖ score. A positive correlation was found between age, BMI, and duration of COPD diagnosis and fatigue level, while a negative correlation was found between age and duration of diagnosis and KGAYÖ. In conclusion, patients diagnosed with COPD experienced moderate fatigue and the majority were independent. Accordingly, fatigue level and activities of daily living should be assessed in individuals diagnosed with COPD, and individualized nursing care should be prioritized.