Factors Affecting the Severity of Fatigue in Male Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Background and objectives: Fatigue, the second most common symptom after dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, impairs functional capacity and quality of life. This study aims to predict the factors that affect fatigue severity and investigate the effects of fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: Data were collected to assess demographic and clinical characteristics, cigarette consumption, fatigue severity (Fatigue Severity Scale), dyspnea severity (Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale), level of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form), and health-related quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey). Results: A total of 64 male chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were evaluated (mean age 61.1 +/- 4.7 years, mean Fatigue Severity Scale score 39.8 +/- 14.4). The result of the linear regression model was significant and explained 84% of the variance in fatigue severity (Adjusted R-squared = 0.84, F=29.48, df = 60, p < .001). It showed that the Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale score (beta= .40), cigarette consumption (beta = .35), and physical activity level (beta= -.37) were significantly correlated with the severity of fatigue (p < .001 for all) and that they independently contributed to the prediction of severity of fatigue. Conclusion: Dyspnea, cigarette consumption, and physical activity level affect fatigue severity. Additionally, physical activity levet, pulmonary function, and health-related quality of life were also associated with fatigue. These findings support the assertion that it is important to measure fatigue and the factors that affect its severity. (C) 2020 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. and Sociedad Espanola de Medicina Interna (SEMI). All rights reserved.