Abstract
BACKGROUND: The impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on social participation in community activities has been scarce studied in older adults. For this reason, this study analyzed the types of community organizations in which older adults with COPD participate and their functional and emotional characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 39 older adults with COPD from the city of Londrina (Brazil), from 2016 to 2019. The social participation questionnaire was applied to identify the participation in meetings or activities with: 1) organizations for older adults; 2) neighbourhood councils or political parties; 3) religious, personal or spiritual growth; 4) family or friends activities; 5) recreational activities in the community. The individuals performed the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), handgrip strength (HGS), and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). The comparison between older adults who participate in formal and informal organizations was made using the Student’s T-Test. RESULTS: 77% of COPD patients participated in religious or spiritual groups and 74% in activities with family and friends. Women participated more in informal (P=0.002) and formal (P=0.004) social activities than men. Individuals who have participated in social activities were those who had lower performance in 6MWT and higher scores in BDI and CAT (P<0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The social participation of older adults with COPD is greater in religious groups, family activities and with friends. Additionally, older adults who participate in community organizations are those who have more functional and emotional limitations. This reinforces the role of community groups to support older adults with COPD who have some health limitation.