| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can take a tremendous toll on individuals' ability to perform daily activities (functional performance). This descriptive-correlational study was conducted to examine factors affecting functional performance in people with COPD. The theory of unpleasant symptoms provided the framework for this investigation. In this sample of 53 people with COPD considerable variability was observed in their levels of functional performance. Hierarchical regression was used to examine the variance in functional performance that could be explained by participants' age, sex, oxygen use, and their ratings of dyspnea and fatigue, individually and interactively. Oxygen use and fatigue explained 49% of the variability in functional performance. Participants who reported more hours of oxygen use and being more fatigued tended to report worse functional performance. Implications of study findings for nursing practice and research are discussed. |
