Baseline characteristics of the two treatment groups
| Self-management group | Control group | |
| Patients n | 127 | 121 |
| Age yrs | 65±7 | 65±7 |
| Male | 85 | 84 |
| BMI kg·m−2 | 27±4 | 27±4 |
| Number of exacerbations in year preceding study | 1.4±1.5 | 1.3±1.6 |
| Smoking status | ||
| Ex-smokers | 72 | 74 |
| Current smokers | 28 | 26 |
| Lung function post bronchodilation | ||
| FEV1 L | 1.71±0.56 | 1.76±0.54 |
| FEV1 % pred of normal | 56.1±15.4 | 58.4±14.5 |
| VC L | 3.89±0.85 | 3.77±0.84 |
| Inhaled corticosteroid use | 65 | 64 |
| Long-acting β‐agonists use | 46 | 45 |
| Total score SGRQ | 37±18 | 38±17 |
| 6‐min walking test m# | 428±91 | 442±83 |
| Education level | ||
| Low | 68 | 59 |
| Moderate | 21 | 23 |
| High | 11 | 18 |
Data are presented as mean±sd or % unless otherwise stated
All variables were measured at baseline unless otherwise stated
BMI: body mass index
FEV1: forced expiratory volume in one second
% pred: %predicted
VC: vital capacity
SGRQ: St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire
#: mean values were based on 122 and 118 patients in the intervention and control group, respectively