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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as disability: dilemma stories
Christina McMillan Boyles1, Patricia Hill Bailey, Sharolyn Mossey
1Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. ca_mcmillan@laurentian.ca
Qualitative Health Research
|September 22, 2010
Summary
Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often experience their disability as invisible, facing dilemmas about disclosing or concealing their impairment. This research explores the lived experience of COPD disability in Canada.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Qualitative Health Research
- Chronic Illness Studies
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant global health challenge.
- The lived experience of disability in chronic illness is often complex and multifaceted.
- Understanding the emic perspective of disability is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the meaning of disability from the perspective of individuals with COPD.
- To understand how individuals with COPD navigate the disclosure of their impairment.
- To investigate the concept of invisible disability in the context of COPD.
Main Methods:
- Focused ethnographic design.
- In-depth interviews with 15 individuals living with COPD.
- Narrative analysis of interview data.
Main Results:
- Analysis revealed 65 dilemma stories, each with an impairment and a justification/explanation component.
- Participants faced choices regarding explaining/justifying or concealing their impairment.
- COPD was conveyed as a disability that is often invisible, even to the individuals themselves.
Conclusions:
- The findings highlight the subjective and often hidden nature of disability in COPD.
- Understanding these 'dilemma stories' provides insight into the social and personal impact of COPD.
- This research complements existing knowledge on invisible chronic illnesses.
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