This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of hand fan application on dyspnea, illness perception, anxiety, and depression in COPD patients. A total of 56 voluntary COPD patients (28 experimental, 28 control) will be recruited from Ardahan State Hospital Chest Diseases Clinic. Patients will be randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The experimental group will receive a hand fan and use it for 10 minutes daily for six weeks, while the control group will receive standard care. Dyspnea, illness perception, anxiety, and depression will be assessed using the Visual Dyspnea Scale, Illness Perception Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and after six weeks. Data will be analyzed using statistical software. This study is expected to contribute to the literature by evaluating a non-pharmacological intervention for COPD-related dyspnea and psychological outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
59
Participants in the experimental group will be instructed to use a hand fan to cool their face for 10 minutes each day for a period of 6 weeks. The fan should be held approximately 15 cm from the face, focusing on the middle area. This intervention aims to alleviate symptoms of dyspnea and improve psychological well-being, including anxiety, depression, and illness perception. The participants will receive daily reminders to ensure consistent application of the intervention.
Participants in the control group will receive standard care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This includes routine management and treatment as prescribed by their healthcare providers, such as medication and lifestyle recommendations. They will not be instructed to use a hand fan or any other cooling device during the study period. The control group will continue their regular care without any additional interventions from the research team.
Derya ŞİMŞEKLİ
Ardahan, Ardahan, Turkey (Türkiye)
Dyspnea Severity
The primary outcome measure of this study will be the severity of dyspnea, assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). This scale is a subjective tool used to measure the intensity of shortness of breath experienced by participants.
Time frame: Pre-intervention: Before the start of the intervention (baseline measurement).Post-intervention: After 6 weeks of intervention (final measurement).
Illness Perception
Measured using the Illness Perception Questionnaire
Time frame: Pre-intervention: Before the start of the intervention (baseline measurement).Post-intervention: After 6 weeks of intervention (final measurement).
Anxiety and Depression
Measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
Time frame: Pre-intervention: Before the start of the intervention (baseline measurement).Post-intervention: After 6 weeks of intervention (final measurement).
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