Conceptions of everyday life among people living alone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to describe conceptions of everyday life among people living alone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Background: COPD is a long-standing, chronic condition. As COPD progresses, it commonly affects all aspects of life. The disease creates a complex life situation for the person living alone, as they experience a wide range of difficulties and must adapt to the demands of their brittle body. They report more psychiatric distress than do those with other chronic diseases and appear to have an increased risk of depression. No previous studies have been conducted focusing on people’s conceptions of everyday life when living alone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: A phenomenographic study was conducted in the south of Sweden with 15 women and 9 men who were living alone and suffering from different grades of COPD, ranging from mild to very severe. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Results: An overall descriptive category was found, when life changes direction, with three subcategories: COPD creates obstacles in daily life, when the body refuses and loneliness. The disease changed their lives dramatically and both physical and psychological strains appeared. Conclusions: The present study highlights the particular challenges facing people living alone with COPD. To live alone and manage a chronic disease such as COPD is more problematic, than living with a spouse, as they have the option to ask for help when needed and someone to talk to. New technology can reduce social isolation among older people and may act as a potential solution for people living alone with COPD. Through e-health, these people may have the opportunity to be more involved in their own care. To ensure greater security, information, participation, self-care and independence, person-centred care must be systematically implemented within health and social care systems in Sweden.