Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A study of the relationship between patients’ feeling of guilt due to their belief of the disease being self infl icted

3^rd International Conference on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

July 11-12, 2016 Brisbane, Australia

Gunilla Lindqvist

Linnaeus University, Sweden

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Pulm Respir Med

Abstract :

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an increasing health problem that aff ects about 600 million people globally and it is expected to be the third most common cause of death worldwide by 2020. COPD is a chronic long term condition that is irrevocable. Cigarette smoking is the most commonly encountered risk factor for COPD and it has also been shown that passive smoking impairs lung function. When the disease progresses, not only is the lung fi ction impaired but there are also other consequences as physical, psychological and social. Aim: Th e aim of the study was to generate a theory, grounded in empirical data to reveal the main concerns of people who suff er from COPD and how they handle everyday life. Method: Th e constant comparative method of grounded theory, developed by Glaser and Strauss (1967) was used. Data was collected by interviewing 23 people with COPD all having diff erent grades of the disease from mild to severe. Findings: A substantive theory was generated showing that the main concern for people suff ering from COPD was feelings of guilt due to self infl icted disease associated with smoking habits. Th is includes feelings of living in the shadow of death. Th is core category was linked to fi ve categories termed making sense of existence, adjusting to bodily restrictions, surrendering to faith, making excuses for the smoking related cause and creating compliance with daily medication. Th ese categories form a pattern of behavior that explains how feelings of guilt were handled by people living with COPD.

Biography :

Gunilla Lindqvist is a Registered Nurse (RN) obtained her Master’s degree in Public Health. She has completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Post doctorate in Health and Caring Science. She is working as a Senior Lecturer at School of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University Campus Kalmar and Vaxjo and presently she has a Postdoctoral position at Linnaeus University. Her research focuses on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, the sufferer themselves and their spouses. She works in a research project focusing on innovative solutions to meet future healthcare needs and preferences of older people and their carers.

Email: gunilla.lindqvist@lnu.se