A qualitative analysis of dyspnea and coping processes among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

[Objectives] The purpose of this study was to clarify the occurrence of dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the process leading to the implementation or limitation of activities. [Methods] Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and analyzed using a Grounded Theory Approach. [Results] Dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease occurred in a variety of situations, including exertion and activities involving complex thinking. Nine categories were generated in the coping process, with “activity attempts and coping” as the central category, and four process patterns were extracted. [Conclusion] In supporting the implementation and continuation of activities in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it is important to be aware of each patient's coping process and the conditions that lead to the implementation and continuation of activities.