Factors Related to Depressed Mood in Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease After Hospitalization

There is a large body of research relating chronic illness and depression, with repeated studies suggesting that individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a higher than normal prevalence of depression (Kunik et al., 2005; Norwood, 2006). An estimated 13 million adults lived with COPD in the United States in 2006 and depression afflicted approximately half of COPD patients compared to all patients in general (Pleis & Lethbridge-Cejku, 2007). The factors that can produce or exacerbate depression are of concern (Mikkelsen, Middelboe, Pisinger, & Stage, 2004). Risk factors for depression can be helpful in identifying depressed mood the outcome for the current study. However, evidence of COPD-related risk factors that predict depressed mood after hospital discharge are inconclusive. Identifying risk factors for depressed mood in COPD patients could increase the likelihood of appropriate intervention orders prior to hospital discharge. Home healthcare services could follow-up after discharge to provide early treatment of the depressed mood symptoms and eliminate or reduce negative consequences such as rehospitalization.