Sedentary Behavior Is Related to Clinical Profile, Disability and Quality of Life in Community-Acquired Pneumonia Patients at Hospitalization and Follow-Up

Abstract

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) causes symptoms that disturb the clinical profile, functionality and quality of life of infected patients. Many CAP patients are hospitalized as a result of these conditions. A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for symptoms and functional decline in hospitalized patients; for this reason, it could be a key factor before a CAP infection. This study aimed to describe the symptoms, functionality and quality of life of CAP patients during and after hospitalization by comparing their sedentary behavior. A prospective observational study of CAP hospitalized patients was carried out. Participants were divided into two groups according to the daily sedentary time before hospitalization (420 minutes > sedentary). Dyspnea, fatigue, functionality and quality of life were collected upon admission, discharge, and 3 months after hospitalization. Ninety CAP patients were included in this study. At hospital admission, the sedentary patients presented lower functionality and quality of life (p = 0.002). At discharge, there were significant differences in quality of life in favor of the active group (p < 0.05). In addition, sedentary patients showed higher dyspnea (p = 0.04) and poorer functionality and quality of life (p < 0.001) 3 months after discharge.