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Updated: Sep 20, 2025
Using Continuous Data Tracking Technology to Study Exercise Adherence in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Published on: November 8, 2013
Acceptability of pulmonary rehabilitation in Malawi: a qualitative study
Fanuel Meckson Bickton1,2, Talumba Mankhokwe3, Beatrice Chavula3
1Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi fbickton@mlw.mw.
Background:
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for people with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), but its acceptability in Malawi was unknown.
Objectives:
To explore patients' acceptability of PR at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi.
Methods:
This was a pre-post cohort study where participants were offered a two times per week hospital-based PR programme for 6 weeks, consisting of endurance and strengthening exercises. Following programme completion, face-to-face semistructured in-depth interviews with the participants were conducted. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed using a deductive approach.
Results:
10 adults (five females and five males) out of 14 invited (~70% uptake) participated in the PR programme and subsequent in-depth interviews. Five key themes emerged: (1) debilitating symptom experience of CRD prior to PR; (2) positive impact of PR on living with CRD; (3) contextual programme design improved participants' experience with PR; (4) one size does not fit all and (5) challenges and opportunities for home-based PR. Participants reported experiencing improvements in physical, psychological and social health associated with PR programme participation. The provision of transport was considered a key facilitator for PR programme completion. Realising the gained PR benefits, participants were willing to continue exercising at their homes.
Conclusion:
The PR programme improved the participants' perceived health status and was well-accepted. Addressing barriers related to transport facilitated immediate implementation while providing a challenge for the scaling and sustainability of PR beyond the project duration. These findings support the drive for shifting chronic care, including rehabilitation, towards primary care and community.
Trial Registration Number:
Prospective; 27 August 2021; ISRCTN13836793.
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