Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to pulmonary rehabilitation and associated influencing factors among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a county medical community

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) poses a significant global health burden, particularly in older adults. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a core management strategy, yet its implementation remains limited and imbalanced, especially within primary healthcare settings in China. The county medical community model aims to integrate healthcare resources, representing a potential platform for optimizing PR delivery. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding PR among older adults with COPD within a county medical community and to analyze the associated influencing factors. Methods A convenience sampling approach was applied to select 150 older adults with COPD who visited medical community institutions between January 2024 and December 2024. Data were collected using a general information wquestionnaire and a pulmonary rehabilitation KAP questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate KAP levels and to identify factors associated with pulmonary rehabilitation KAP. Results The total pulmonary rehabilitation KAP score among the 150 older adults with COPD was 68.63 ± 19.23. Scores for the knowledge, attitude, and practice dimensions were 32.57 ± 11.79 (out of a possible 60), 15.77 ± 3.77 (out of a possible 20), and 20.28 ± 8.50 (out of a possible 50), respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the type of hospital visited, age, the presence of a primary caregiver, and guidance from medical staff were significant influencing factors associated with pulmonary rehabilitation KAP among older adults with COPD ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Older adults with COPD in the medical community demonstrated a generally positive attitude toward pulmonary rehabilitation, whereas knowledge and practice levels remained relatively low. Strengthened and targeted professional guidance from medical staff for patients and their caregivers across different age groups is warranted. Enhanced coordination within medical communities and the development of innovative service models may facilitate more effective implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation, thereby improving quality of life and health management among older adults with COPD.