A36-18 Perceived Functional Impact and Physical Activity in Chronic Respiratory Disease: A Comparison Across Multimorbidity Subgroups

Rationale Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) may reduce individuals’ confidence in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) and engaging in physical exercise. Lower functional confidence may contribute to sedentary behavior, which may worsen symptoms and physical limitations. Multiple CRD or the coexistence of CRD with other chronic conditions may enhance this burden. This study aimed to compare the perceived impact on ADLs and physical exercise among individuals with a single CRD, those with ≥ 2 CRD, and those with a CRD with non-respiratory multimorbidity. Methods This cross-sectional study followed institutional ethics regulations and the Declaration of Helsinki. Adults living with CRD completed an electronic survey assessing sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and confidence in performing ADLs and physical exercise. Results Fifty adults with CRD were included (90% of females; mean age of 39.3±14.1 years). Asthma was the most frequent CRD (64%), followed by post-COVID syndrome (18%), asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (10%), and COPD (8%). Five participants (10%) reported ≥ 2 CRDs and 25 (50%) reported a CRD with a non-respiratory chronic condition. Twenty participants had non-respiratory multimorbidity (40%), where 16 (32%) had fibromyalgia and arthritis, and 9 (18%) had only fibromyalgia. More than half of the participants (54%) perceived their chronic condition as having a moderate impact on daily life, followed by severe impact (30%); with no significant differences observed across groups (χ² = 6.64, df = 6, p = 0.356). Most participants (42%) reported physical inactivity, while 30% reported exercising at least 3–4 times per week, with no between-group difference (χ² = 9.55, df = 8, p = 0.298). No significant between-group differences were observed for confidence in walking 100 meters on a flat ground (p = 0.176), climbing one flight of stairs (p = 0.140), or exercising vigorously for 10 minutes (jogging) (p = 0.079). However, confidence in using public transportation differed significantly between groups (χ² = 18.15, p = 0.020), with lower confidence observed among individuals with CRD plus non-respiratory multimorbidity, whereas those with single or multiple CRDs more frequently reported being very or extremely confident. Conclusions Although most participants reported a moderate to severe impact of CRD on daily life, these perceptions and the frequency of physical exercise did not differ across groups. However, non-respiratory multimorbidity was associated with reduced confidence in community mobility. Interventions that enhance functional confidence and support activity participation may be particularly relevant for individuals with CRD and multimorbidity.