Exploring the occupational engagement of persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in their daily lives

Abstract

Background. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an international public health concern due to its linked morbidity and mortality rate. This condition tends to pose a social and personal burden for the individual and his family. Furthermore, it is coupled with a decline in occupational engagement in the individual’s daily life. Purpose. The purpose of the study was to explore the occupational engagement of individuals with COPD in their daily lives, as well as their knowledge, experiences, and coping strategies. Method. The study adopted a qualitative methodology and involved the use of semi-structured interviews with seven individuals diagnosed with COPD. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the study's participants. Braun and Clarke (2006)’s thematic analysis was implemented to analyse the extracted data that was generated from the interviews. Results. Three major themes were developed from the data: living with COPD, stress factors, and coping with COPD. The findings of this study illustrated that individuals diagnosed with COPD experience instances of guilt, learn to make sense of reality, and remain active in daily tasks. Also, physical, occupational, and emotional stresses were also encountered by these individuals. Lastly, energy conservation techniques, family support, and coping with the COVID-19 pandemic were adopted as coping techniques by these individuals. Conclusion. This study has shed light on the factors that influence an individual living with COPD, as well as the emerging COPD stressors and coping strategies. This study contributed to promote awareness of the difficulties these individuals encounter, as well as to illuminate how occupational engagement is affected. Finally, the current study has also highlighted the centrality of occupational engagement for individuals sustaining COPD. This is an area where OT involvement could make a fundamental difference for these individuals. In view of this and the apparent limited involvement of the OT profession in the rehabilitation of COPD locally, there is much scope for research to be conducted in this area so that a better understanding of client needs and how the profession can better target its interventions can be developed.