[Helpful and stressful factors in coping with COPD in patients and their partners - a qualitative study]

To investigate helpful and stressful factors in coping with COPD of patients and their partners.

Nine COPD patients and their partners (9 couples) were interviewed. All interviews were audio taped and later transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Patients as well as partners reported high satisfaction with the professional support. The most helpful factor for COPD patients was the social support by the partner. In terms of stressful factors patients and partners reported psychological problems and physical complaints. Partners additionally reported about relationship conflicts.

Partners of COPD patients are very important for patients to cope with the disease. Partners themselves are suffering from psychological stress and should therefore be included regularly in care programs.