Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: COPD are underestimated and undiagnosed in Japan (Aizawa, H. Nihon Rinsho 2007; 65(4): 599-604). It could be influenced by under-recognition of COPD by medical professionals as well as ordinary population.
Aims: The aim of this study was to clarify the health care workers’ knowledge about COPD, intention to study the diseases, and health locus of control.
Methods: The research methods were approved by the Ethical Review Committee of the University of Fukui, Department of Medical Sciences (Approval #23-109).The self-oriented questionnaire was distributed to care workers in 9 hospital. The questionnaire contained 1) demographic data, and smoking status, 2) knowledge about COPD, 3) intention to study COPD, and 4) health locus of control. Locus of control was measured by the Japanese Health Locus of Control: JHLC.
Results: A total of 1018 (68%) out of 1,505 subjects were analyzed as valid data. The average age was 35.4±9.7 years, 177 (17.4%) were male, and 744 (73.1%) were nurses, 23 (2.3%) were physicians, 147 (14.4) were co-medical professionals, and 104 (10.2%) were others. Most of the subjects stated that they knew COPD very well or moderately. About 17% subjects showed very high intention to study COPD, 46% showed moderate intention, and 38% showed a little or almost none intention. The average points of JHLC were followed: “Internal” 20.5, “Family” 20.1,”Professional” 17.0, “Chance” 14.9, and “Supernatural” 11.0.
Conclusions: the subjects believed they had high level of knowledge; whereas, they showed moderate level of intention to study COPD. The subjects also believed locus of control on self and family rather than professional.
- © 2013 ERS