Evaluation of dyspnea severity and sleep quality in patients with novel
coronavirus
Abstract
Aim: Dyspnea, a common symptom of novel coronavirus, can negatively
affect sleep quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
relationship between dyspnea severity and sleep quality in patients with
COVID-19. Study Design: A cross-sectional design was used. Methods:
Using the researcher’s mobile phone, data were collected via an online
questionnaire from patients (n=100) who agreed to participate in the
study. The data-collection form comprised three parts: a patient
descriptive information form, the Dyspnea–12 Questionnaire, and the
Richards–Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. Results: The mean age of
patients was 46.39±12.61 years and 66.0% were male. Patients who were
treated in the intensive care unit, had bachelor’s degree or more and
patients with comorbid diseases had low mean scores from the RCSQ and
high mean scores from the Dyspnea–12 Questionnaire (p<0.001,
p<0.001; p=0.047, p<0.001;p<0.001,
p<0.00,1,respectively).Patients who not receiving oxygen
therapy had higher RCSQ mean scores and lower Dyspnea–12 Questionnaire
scores (p<0.001, p<0.001; p<0.001,
p<0.001, respectively). There was a strong negative
relationship between the total scores obtained from the
Richards–Campbell Sleep Questionnaire and the Dyspnea–12
Questionnaire(r= -701, p<.001). Conclusions: Sleep quality is
affected by dyspnea severity in patients with COVID-19. Sleep quality
and dyspnea severity are also influenced by quite different factors, and
these should be addressed and eliminated by nurses as part of a holistic
approach. The results of this study will help nurses, especially those
providing treatment and care for patients with COVID-19, to identify the
factors affecting dyspnea and sleep quality and to plan, implement, and
evaluate nursing interventions that will reduce their workload.