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Awareness and Knowledge of Pulmonary Rehabilitation among Individuals with COPD in Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is among the most effective non-drug treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet few people in India reach it. Poor patient awareness may be one reason. No study has examined this in Tirupati district. Aim: To assess knowledge of COPD and awareness of PR among individuals with COPD in Tirupati district. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 70 adults with physician-diagnosed COPD were recruited by consecutive sampling. Written consent was obtained. A structured, interviewer-assisted questionnaire captured demographic and clinical details, a 12-item COPD knowledge scale (maximum 48) and a 9-item PR awareness scale (maximum 27). Scores were converted to percentages and graded poor (<60%), moderate (60-79%) or good (≥80%). Non-parametric tests, chi-square/Fisher's exact tests, Spearman correlation with Holm correction, linear regression and Cronbach's alpha were used (two-sided ? = 0.05). Results: Participants (43 men, 27 women) had a mean age of 63.0 ± 10.7 years. Mean COPD knowledge was 60.3% (SD 7.2) and mean PR awareness was 62.4% (SD 7.7), with no significant difference (Wilcoxon p = 0.152). Knowledge was poor in 29 (41%), moderate in 40 (57%) and good in 1 participant. PR awareness was poor in 38 (54%) and moderate in 32 (46%), and no one reached the good category. Never-smokers scored higher on COPD knowledge than current or ex-smokers (Kruskal-Wallis H = 7.01, p = 0.030; ever vs never smoked p = 0.016, r = 0.36). No other comparison was significant, and no correlation survived Holm correction. Internal consistency was low (? = 0.31 and 0.06). Conclusion: COPD knowledge and PR awareness were both at the poor-moderate boundary, and no participant showed good PR awareness. Never-smokers knew more about COPD than smokers. The findings support routine PR discussion in COPD care and community education in the district. The scales need validation before reuse.

Source: International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)

DOI: 10.21275/sr26930113723

Authors: P Varshitha, K Madhavi

Institution: Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7219045984