Dyspnea and Psychosocial Effects of Hand Fan Application in COPD Patients

Effect of Hand Fan Applied to COPD Patients on Dyspnea, Illness Perception, Anxiety and Depression: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Experimental Study

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Orientation and cooperation
• No communication problems

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a COPD exacerbation in the last 4 weeks