ABSTRACT

The study aimed to explore the knowledge and health behaviors of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients at Labuang Baji Hospital in Makassar, Indonesia. Utilizing a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design, 108 patients meeting specific inclusion criteria were assessed. Data were gathered using questionnaires to evaluate participants’ knowledge and health behaviors across dimensions of perceived susceptibility, barriers, and benefits. Findings indicate that the majority of participants demonstrated low to moderate knowledge about COPD, significantly influenced by educational background and the duration since diagnosis. Health behaviors varied; perceived benefits of treatment were rated very high, while perceived barriers were low, indicating minimal obstacles in managing their condition. Notably, a strong positive correlation was found between knowledge and perceived susceptibility (r = 0.636) and barriers (r = 0.600), but a negative correlation with perceived benefits (r = -0.397), suggesting critical awareness among knowledgeable patients. The results highlight the importance of tailored health education programs to improve knowledge and promote proactive disease management behaviors among COPD patients. These findings offer valuable insights into designing interventions that address patient-specific needs to enhance the quality of life and reduce disease exacerbations.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), health behavior and patient knowledge.
https://doi.org/10.57180/qils8495