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People walking on a pathway wrapped around a pair of lungs. The words in the photo read "Living with COPD in 2022"

The Impacts of COPD: The Results Are In

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By Editorial Team

1 min read

For our 2022 COPD In America survey, 1,802 people answered 73 questions about navigating the many aspects of the condition. More than 16 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with COPD. Here, we explore insights from the survey responses.

The impact of COPD

COPD significantly impacts the lives of those living with the condition. However, the impact varies greatly from person to person, as with many other chronic conditions. More than half of respondents (52 percent) say COPD adds anxiety to their daily life.

QUALITY OF LIFE: A woman holds a happiness barometer with statistics: 47% say COPD has negatively impacted their social life/relationships with friends. 43% say COPD negatively impacts their mood. 17% say they’re satisfied with their quality of life.

Quality of life for those with COPD

  • 47% say COPD has negatively impacted their social life/relationships with friends
  • 43% say COPD negatively impacts their mood
  • 17% say they are satisfied with their current quality of life

Having COPD and needing assistance

People diagnosed with COPD may have difficulty doing daily activities. Three-quarters of respondents (75 percent) with COPD currently receive help or outside support for daily tasks.

NEEDING ASSISTANCE: A photo with household cleaning supplies, money, and prescription medication shows statistics: 54% receive support with household duties (cooking, cleaning, etc.), 50% receive supportwith shopping or grocery shopping, 40% need assistance with traveling to and from doctor appointments, 10% need assistance with fiances, 7% need assistance with managing or taking medicines/treatments.

Assistance with daily tasks

  • Receive support with household duties (cooking, cleaning, etc.) (54%)
  • Receive support with shopping or grocery shopping (50%)
  • Assistance with traveling to and from doctor appointments (40%)
  • Assistance with finances (managing and paying bills) (10%)
  • Assistance with managing or taking medicines/treatments (7%)

Impact of COVID-19 on those with COPD

The effects of COVID-19 have had a substantial influence on people with COPD, like other communities. Although 85 percent of survey respondents received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to guard against the pandemic's severe physical impact, the pandemic had a major influence on the community's mental health.

IMPACT OF COVID-19: An image of a man standing in front of the window of a home has the following data on it: 88% of respondents commented on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the most common topics being: limited social interaction, staying home, forced isolation.

88% of respondents commented on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the most common topics being:

  • Forced isolation
  • Staying home
  • Limited social interaction

The COPD In America 2022 Survey was conducted online from April through June of 2022. Of the 1,802 people who completed the survey, 93 percent were people who have been diagnosed with COPD.

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This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The COPD.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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