The relationship between self-efficacy, psychological well-being, dyspnea, and fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A structural equation model

The aim of this study was to find the relationship between self-efficacy, psychological well-being, dyspnea and fatigue in COPD patients. The study is descriptive and correlational. The sample consisted of 194 patients hospitalized with COPD in the Health Application and Research Center. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, COPD Self-Efficacy Scale, Psychological Well-Being Scale, Dyspnea-12 Scale, COPD and Asthma Fatigue Scale. According to the structural equation model, there was a significant positive relationship between dyspnea and fatigue (p<0.05), a significant negative relationship between self-efficacy and dyspnea (p<0.05) and a significant positive relationship between self-efficacy and psychological well-being (p<0.05). It was found that the mediating role of psychological well-being in the effect of self-efficacy on dyspnea was statistically significant, and the mediating role of psychological well-being in the effect of self-efficacy on fatigue was statistically significant (p<0.05). In the model in the study, psychological well-being was found to play a mediating role in the relationship between self-efficacy, dyspnea and fatigue. In this context, it may be recommended to give importance to holistic care by using nursing interventions related to psychological well-being to reduce dyspnea and fatigue complaints while working with COPD patients. Keywords: Dyspnea, COPD, Self efficacy, Psychological well being, Fatigue