Abstract
BackgroundSmoking rather than injecting heroin has become more common over the last 20 years. Although there is an increasing body of evidence describing high levels of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in people who smoke heroin, there is limited evidence documenting the impact of the long-term condition on this population group.AimThis study aimed to describe the experiences of people who smoke heroin with COPD in Liverpool, UK.Design & settingParticipants were purposefully sampled for this qualitative study. They included adults enrolled in an opioid replacement clinic run by Addaction in Liverpool, who had already engaged with spirometry testing for COPD as part of a previous study.MethodSemi-structured interviews were performed with participants with spirometrically confirmed COPD in opioid replacement clinics. Data were analysed using a framework analysis approach.ResultsSixteen potential participants were invited to take part in the study, of which 10 agreed and were interviewed. Three themes common to all interviews were identified: functional measures of lung health that impacted on their activities of daily living; inhaler and medication perceptions with erratic use that was not concordant with their prescription; and the impact of difficulties accessing care.ConclusionThese findings, along with previous studies highlighting the prevalence of COPD in this population, warrant efforts to integrate community COPD and opioid replacement services to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Highlights
Three themes common to all interviews were identified: functional measures of lung health that impacted on their activities of daily living; inhaler and medication perceptions with erratic use that was not concordant with their prescription; and the impact of difficulties accessing care
These findings, along with previous studies highlighting the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in this population, warrant efforts to integrate community COPD and opioid replacement services to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population
There is a growing body of evidence of high levels of COPD in people who smoke heroin. This appears to happen at an earlier age than the general population. This qualitative study investigates the experiences of these patients and provides clinicians with new insights into the challenges facing this population
Summary
The study, sought insight into the experience and challenges faced by people who smoke heroin with COPD in order to shape future screening and treatment services. This qualitative study examined the lived experience of those with symptoms and a diagnosis of chronic lung disease, and of their experience of interfacing with healthcare services to access treatment. There is an increasing body of evidence describing high levels of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in people who smoke heroin, there is limited evidence documenting the impact of the long-term condition on this population group
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
