Table 2: Frequency and percentage of self-care behaviors in the elderly with COPD (n=200).

Agree Strongly Agree Moderately Agree Rarely Disagree
I avoid people who have a cold. 95 (48) 88 (44.4) 14 (7.1) 1 (0.5)
I leave the place where they smoke. 82 (41.6) 55 (27.9) 54 (27.4) 6 (3)
Avoid exposure to polluted air. 71 (35.5) 53 (26.5) 72 (36) 2 (1)
Take time to breathe deeply throughout the day. 70 (35) 66 (33) 60 (30) 2 (1)
During my daily activities, I rest periodically. 47 (23.5) 75 (37.5) 75 (37.5) 1 (0.5)
I regularly control my breathing pattern. 68 (34) 83 (41.5) 46 (23) 1 (0.5)
When I have shortness of breath, I take certain actions (siting, use oxygen, Diaphragmatic breathing, etc.). 22 (11) 82 (41) 93 (46.5) 1 (0.5)
Drink enough water. 92 (46) 77 (38.5) 28 (14) 1 (0.5)
I do some exercise at least three times a week such as hiking, biking, swimming, etc. 32 (16) 62 (31) 99 (49.5) 5 (2.5)
Sleep at least 7 hours per night 85 (42.5) 67 (33.5) 45 (22.5) 1 (0.5)
I do hand exercise at least three times a week. 47 (23.5) 54 (27) 92 (46) 5 (2.5)
I perform relaxation exercises every day (lying down or sitting and relaxing all the muscles, looking at a picture or listening to relaxing music, etc.). 17 (8.5) 71 (35.5) 101 (50.5) 9 (4.5)
I participate in group activities at least once a week. 48 (24) 80 (40) 69 (34.5) 1 (0.5)
If I have a persistent health problem for more than one to two days, I will go to health centers. 43 (21.5) 90 (45) 62 (31) 1 (0.5)
I adjust my inhalation and exhalation as needed (for example, I don't deep breathing in a polluted place). 60 (30) 98 (49) 37 (18.5) 5 (2.5)
I get the flu and pneumonia vaccine regularly 101 (50.5) 57 (28.5) 37 (18.5) 5 (2.5)
When I'm anxious and short of breath, I turn away from the person or thing that bother me 63 (31.5) 70 (35) 61 (30.5) 1 (0.5)
I sit on a chair while showering 50 (25) 98 (49) 44 (22) 2 (1)
I sit on a chair while doing my homework 54 (27) 71 (35.5) 66 (33) 4 (2)
Tell my doctor or nurse if my sputum changes in color and amount 64 (32) 50 (25) 80 (40) 1 (0.5)
If my breathing is shorter than usual, see a doctor 64 (32) 78 (39) 53 (26.5) 5 (2.5)
I will tell my doctor or nurse if I get tired of doing routine activities so sooner than usual. 63 (31.5) 65 (32.5) 67 (33.5) 5 (2.5)
I take my medication as directed by a doctor. 88 (44) 69 (34) 38 (19) 5 (2.5)
If I have any doubts about how to take medicine, I will consult my doctor. 66 (33) 69 (34.5) 60 (30) 5 (2.5)
I check-up myself every year. 53 (26.5) 35 (17.5) 98 (49) 9 (4.5)
Avoid inhaling harmful airborne particles (paints, perfumes, and aerosols). 88 (44) 74 (37) 32 (16) 1 (0.5)
When I am afraid and anxious, I do Pursed-lips Breathing. 66 (33) 73 (36.5) 56 (28) 5 (2.5)
When needed, I can use my breathing apparatus (spray, oxygen device, etc.). 83 (41.5) 67 (33.5) 43 (21.5) 2 (1)
When I want to go out in the cold, I wrap a scarf or napkin around my mouth and nose. 91 (45.5) 68 (34) 36 (18) 5 (2.5)
In emergencies, I take appropriate action (spray, rest, etc.). 34 (17) 75 (37.5) 81 (40.5) 5 (2.5)
If I gain 1.5–2.5 kg within 1 week, I will see a doctor. 18 (9) 66 (33) 99 (49.5) 12 (6)
I attend rehabilitation courses. 66 (33) 64 (32) 61 (35.5) 4 (2)
I take corticosteroids as recommended by my doctor / nurse. 67 (33.5) 74 (37) 52 (26) 2 (1)
I adjust my daily activities according to my physical condition. 64 (32) 76 (38) 54 (27) 1 (0.5)
I will help others if needed. 81 (40.5) 62 (31) 42 (21) 4 (2)