The Effect of Self-management Program on Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but are often mistreated. Self-management (SM) is a non-pharmacological intervention and a key element in the care of patients with COPD. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of a SM program on anxiety and depression in patients with COPD. Methods: This study was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted in two central hospitals in Tehran, Iran. A total of 100 patients with COPD were randomly assigned to either the control or intervention groups. Both groups received routine care and education. The intervention group received face-to-face education on SM skills from the researcher. Anxiety and depression were assessed at three time points: Baseline, six months after the intervention, and twelve months after the intervention. The instrument used for measuring anxiety and depression was the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics with SPSS version 23. Results: The mean anxiety and depression scores were not significantly different between groups at baseline (P = 0.630 and P = 0.647, respectively). Six months later, the mean anxiety and depression scores were more reduced in the intervention group than in the control group (P = 0.009 and P = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrated a positive effect of the SM education program on reducing anxiety and depression in patients with COPD.