Abstract
Optimism is the individual tendency to expect positive outcomes in the future. It is predictive of different subjective and objective health outcomes, including more favorable treatment outcomes in individuals with chronic conditions. Optimism is also associated with superior recovery from acute or persistent changes in health status. We therefore explored the role of optimism in patients with COPD participating in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), including its role in recovery from exacerbations.
Patients with COPD (n=340) participated in a 3-week multidisciplinary inpatient PR program as part of the STAR study (Geidl, W. et al. Trials 2017; 18:396). Patients were followed up until 6 months after rehabilitation. Optimism was measured using the Life Orientation Test – Revised (LOT-R). In this secondary analysis, key outcomes were depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)), and health status (COPD Assessment Test (CAT)).
High optimism (1SD above mean) at the start of PR was associated with 1.67[1.23-2.08] points fewer depressive symptoms (p<.0001), and 1.58[0.87-2.28] points lower CAT scores (p<.0001) throughout PR and follow-up. 6 weeks after PR, 54 patients had at least 1 exacerbation, increasing to 81 patients 6 months after PR. Associations of optimism with reduced depressive symptoms were similar for patients with and without exacerbations. In patients with exacerbations, optimism was not associated with better CAT scores (0.16[-1.89-2.20]).
Similar to other chronic conditions, optimism is associated with better health outcomes during PR in patients with COPD. However, optimism has only a limited role in patients experiencing exacerbations.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, OA185.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021