Dietary intervention to improve nutritional status, fatigue and quality of life of patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and healthcare burden worldwide. Malnutrition is common among people with COPD and is associated with poor prognosis. Malnutrition has a negative effect on the pulmonary function, decreases health-related quality of life, and increases the risk of exacerbations, and healthcare costs. Patients with COPD reported fatigue as second to dyspnoea. It has been proposed that increasing high fat diet may be more beneficial, as fat produces less metabolic CO2 and has a lower respiratory quotient compared with carbohydrate metabolism. Findings of the study will enable nurses to implement the most effective dietary intervention to improve the nutritional status, functional capacity, and thus quality of life of this population. Aim: to examine the effect of dietary intervention on the nutritional status, fatigue and quality of life among patients with COPD. Design: A quasi experimental design was used (Study/Control). Setting: The study was conducted at the chest department and chest clinic at Menoufia University hospital at Shebin Al Khoom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Sample: A convenience sample of 150 adult patients with COPD. Tools: Semi-structured Demographic Sheet; Subjective Global Assessment (SGA); Manchester COPD Fatigue Scale; COPD Health Related Quality of Life; and Three Days Dietary Record Sheet. Results: The mean age of the participants in the study and control group was 56.18 ± 7.56 and 54.58 ± 9.77 years respectively. There was a statistically significant improvement in the nutritional status of the participants post intervention. There was a statistically significant improvement in the total mean score of fatigue post intervention 21.04 ± 10.9 compared to 32.56 ± 12.79 pre intervention; P