Illness-related fatigue and its association with quality of life among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional survey from Jordan

Angham Badarneh; Enas A Assaf; Suhair Al-Ghabeesh; Ahmad Rajeh Saifan; Nabeel Al-Yateem; Aram Halimi

doi:10.18502/npt.v11i2.15406

Angham Badarneh Department of Nursing, Prince Hamza Hospital, Amman, Jordan
Enas A Assaf Faculty of Nursing, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
Suhair Al-Ghabeesh Faculty of Nursing, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
Ahmad Rajeh Saifan Faculty of Nursing, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
Nabeel Al-Yateem College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Aram Halimi Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/npt.v11i2.15406

Keywords: COPD; Jordan; fatigue; quality of life

Abstract

Background & Aim: Fatigue is a commonly reported issue in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often overlooked or inadequately addressed in Jordan and globally. This study aimed to assess illness-related fatigue in COPD people, its contributing factors, and its impact on their quality of life (QOL).

Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed, recruiting 200 people from four hospitals in Jordan between April and May 2021. Participants completed Arabic versions of the self-administered Fatigue Severity Scale and the WHOQOL questionnaire.

Results: The study revealed a high level of fatigue among COPD people, with an overall mean fatigue score of 5.07±0.62. Particularly noteworthy was the association between heightened fatigue levels and factors such as disease-related disability and interference with daily responsibilities. The overall mean QOL score was low (2.665±0.39), with the physical domain displaying the lowest mean score (2.6±0.47). Fatigue and QOL were significantly and negatively correlated.

Conclusion: COPD people in Jordan experience substantial levels of fatigue, negatively impacting their QOL. Unfortunately, fatigue is often unnoticed in healthcare services. Addressing fatigue should be a crucial aspect of treatment plans for these people. Particularly during pandemics or service disruptions, additional attention is needed to manage fatigue among COPD people effectively. Digital health interventions may offer opportunities to enhance continuity and quality of care, especially during challenging times.