No abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the influencing factors on self care, respiratory difficulty, sleep impediment, anxiety and depression among patients with neuromuscular disease who are dependent on Home Mechanical Ventilator (HMV). Methods: 157 patients were recruited through hospital based home nursing care departments and HMV rental centers. Data were collected by questionnaires. The analytic methods were n (%) / M±SD, x 2 / t-test or ANOVA and multiple linear regression. Results: Patients with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were more likely to utilize HMV, had shorter periods of morbidity and the most extended daily use of HMV. As for medical equipment, they had ambu-bag (87.2%) and oxygenator (15.4%). Reports of respiratory difficulty and sleep impediment were low. There were no significant difference. In contrast, reported anxiety and depression were high and showed significant difference between non invasive HMV and invasive HMV. Anxiety contributes to respiratory difficulty (t=3.62, p=.002), sleep impediment (t=2.06, p=.042), and depression (t=7.24, p<.001). However, home nursing care exerts a positive influence in reducing anxiety (t=-2.73, p=.008). Conclusion: Anxiety contributes to respiratory difficulty, sleep impediment, and depression. However, those who use home nursing care reported less anxiety. Home nursing care positively impacts patients dependent on HMV as a practical service and available resource.