scholarly journals Effects of Particulate Matter Education on Self-Care Knowledge Regarding Air Pollution, Symptom Changes, and Indoor Air Quality among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Author(s):  
Su-Er Guo ◽  
Miao-Ching Chi ◽  
Su-Lun Hwang ◽  
Chieh-Mo Lin ◽  
Yu-Ching Lin

The burden of illness resulting from adverse environmental exposure is significant. Numerous studies have examined self-care behaviors among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but seldom assess these behaviors in relation to air pollution. The study aims to examine the effects of particulate matter (PM) education on prevention and self-care knowledge regarding air pollution, symptom changes, and indoor PM concentration levels among patients with COPD. A longitudinal, quasi-experimental design using a generalized estimating equation examined the effectiveness of the education intervention. Participants were 63 patients with COPD, of whom only 25 received intervention. Levels of PM2.5 and PM10 decreased in the first-month follow-up in the experimental group. Improvement of knowledge and prevention regarding PM in the first and third months were also greater in the experimental group compared to the control. Regarding the COPD assessment test and physical domain scores, the experimental group exhibited a greater improvement in the first-month follow-up. Scores on the psychological domain significantly changed in the sixth-month follow-up. The PM education coordinated by nurses improved the health of participants, maintaining six-month effects. Further studies should evaluate the practice barriers and effects of health education on preventive self-care behaviors regarding indoor PM among patients with COPD.

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-59
Author(s):  
Ekta Dhanoa

In 2015, 3.2 million people died due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), worldwide. In fact, survival rates for those living with severe COPD are lower than for those with cancer. The one known contributor to this disease is air pollution, and with its rising levels every year, it is necessary to determine the exact correlation between air pollution and COPD. Data was gathered for a selection of 20 countries from the World Bank Database and Health Data Database. This data was graphed and analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, which is a statistical test that measures the relationship between 2 variables. When calculated, the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.756, determining that there is a significant relationship between air pollution and COPD. Through the investigation, it is concluded that there is a positive correlation between PM2.5 air pollution and mortality rate due to COPD. PM2.5 is a component of air pollution defined as the amount of atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers. Due to its small physical nature, PM2.5 can easily infiltrate the lungs, causing infections in the respiratory organs. They can reach the bronchi and even the alveoli, causing inflammation which ultimately results in COPD and premature deaths. Therefore, this research will aim to investigate the relationship between PM2.5 air pollution and COPD, allowing for a better understanding of these variables.


2005 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 348 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kramer ◽  
R. Mohr ◽  
O. Lev-Ran ◽  
R. Braunstein ◽  
D. Pevni ◽  
...  

Background: Skeletonized dissection of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) decreases the occurrence of sternal devascularization, thus decreasing the risk of postoperative sternal complications in patients undergoing bilateral ITA grafting. Methods: From April 1996 to July 1999, 1000 consecutive patients underwent bilateral skeletonized ITA grafting. Of the 770 male and 230 female patients, 420 were older than 70 years, and 312 had diabetes. Results: Operative mortality was 3.3%. Follow-up (4078 months) revealed 79 late deaths, and the Kaplan-Meier 6-year survival rate was 88%. Cox regression analysis revealed increased overall mortality (early and late) in patients with preoperative congestive heart failure (risk ratio [RR], 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-3.45), in patients with peripheral vascular disease (RR, 5.52; 95% CI, 3.31-9.19), and in patients older than 70 years (RR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.37-3.47). Early postoperative morbidity included sternal infection (2.2%), cerebrovascular accident (1.6%), and perioperative myocardial infarction (1%). Multiple regression analysis showed repeat operation (odds ratio [OR], 7.5; 95% CI, 1.77-31.6) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.27-10.75) to be independent predictors of sternal infection. During follow-up, angina returned in 95 patients, 24 of whom required reintervention (20 cases of percutaneous balloon angioplasty and 4 reoperations). Postoperative coronary angiography performed in 87 patients revealed an ITA patency rate of 91%. Conclusions: Bilateral skeletonized ITA grafting is associated with satisfactory early and midterm results. We do not recommend the use of this surgical technique in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.


2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-57
Author(s):  
Fathy, Shadya, A. ◽  
Elattar, Mai. M. ◽  
Abdel Wahab, Hanan, M. F. ◽  
Fahmy, Fifi, A.

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