Introduction: One of the common problems of patients with covid-19 is the occurrence of respiratory problems that may accompany the person for a long time. Also, based on clinical and research evidence, different degrees of anxiety and stress have been observed in those who have recovered from this disease. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of diaphragmatic breathing on dyspnea and state anxiety in patients with covid-19.
Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial conducted in 2021-2022. The study population consisted of 78 patients with covid-19 hospitalized in Amir al-Momenin Hospital in Arak city, who were selected by available sampling and divided into two groups of 40. In this study, the Spielberger anxiety inventory, Borg scale, MRC breathlessness scale and measurement of blood oxygen saturation were used. The test group received diaphragmatic breathing training on the day of discharge and performed the exercise for ten minutes, and after discharge, they performed diaphragmatic breathing twice a day (ten minutes each time) at home for a week. Questionnaires were completed by the patients before the intervention, immediately after and one week later. The data was analyzed with SPSS software version 23 at the level (P < 0.05).
Results: The findings showed that the mean anxiety score of the patients immediately and one week after the intervention in the test group was significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.001). The mean oxygen saturation in the test group after the intervention was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.001). Also, a significant difference was observed between the mean dyspnea scores using the MRC and Borg dyspnea scales after the intervention in the two groups (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: The results showed diaphragmatic breathing reduced anxiety and shortness of breath in patients with covid-19 after discharge. Therefore, teaching this simple and effective method is recommended for these patients during discharge from the hospital.