Functional Social Support in COPD Self-Management

January 13, 2026 updated by: Medical University of South Carolina

Examining the Role of Functional Social Support Subtypes for Self-Management Capacity Among Individuals With COPD

This observational study aims to examine how different types of functional social support (emotional/informational, tangible, affectionate, and positive social interaction) predict self-management capacity among individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study includes a quantitative cross-sectional survey and qualitative semi-structured interviews (N=20) to explore barriers and facilitators to adequate social support. Findings will inform the development of targeted self-management interventions for COPD patients.

Study Overview

Status

Recruiting

Conditions

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

111

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • South Carolina
      • Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29425
        • Recruiting
        • Medical University of South Carolina
        • Contact:

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adults aged 40 years and older with a self-reported diagnosis or treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Participants must be English-speaking and have internet access to complete an online survey and, if selected, participate in a qualitative interview. Recruitment will occur through the Medical University of South Carolina health system and COPD Foundation online platforms.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age ≥40
  • Self-reported COPD diagnosis or treatment
  • English-speaking
  • Internet access

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of psychosis or severe mental illness
  • Ongoing substance abuse
  • Other chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., lung cancer, asthma)

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
COPD Adults (≥40 years)
Adults aged 40 years and older with a self-reported diagnosis or treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). All participants will complete an online survey; a subset will participate in qualitative interviews.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Self-management capacity
Time Frame: At enrollment (single time point)
Measured using the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) - Mastery domain; score range 1-7, where higher scores indicate greater perceived control over COPD symptoms.
At enrollment (single time point)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Functional social support subdomains
Time Frame: At enrollment
Measured using Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS); subscale scores for emotional/informational, tangible, affectionate, and positive social interaction.
At enrollment
Structural social support
Time Frame: At enrollment
Measured using Social Support Questionnaire - Short Form (SSQ-6).
At enrollment
Symptom severity
Time Frame: At enrollment
Measured using COPD Assessment Test (CAT).
At enrollment

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Medical University of South Carolina

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Emily Morgan, BSN, RN, CEN, Medical University of South Carolina

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

September 26, 2025

Primary Completion (Estimated)

June 30, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

June 30, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

January 13, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

January 13, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

January 20, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

January 20, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

January 13, 2026

Last Verified

January 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • Pro00145926

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

IPD Plan Description

De-identified aggregate data may be shared through publications and presentations; individual participant data will not be shared.

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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