Exploring The Lived Experiences of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) In Managing Daily Life and Treatment Adherence

Fareed Ullah; Tanzeel u Rehman; Naveen Kumar Motwani; Sohail Afsar Awan; Zeeshah Nadeem; Humna Ijaz

doi:10.61919/rwa63j31

Authors

Fareed Ullah Trainee, Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan Author
Tanzeel u Rehman Postgraduate Resident, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan Author
Naveen Kumar Motwani Medical Officer, JPMC, Karachi, Pakistan Author
Sohail Afsar Awan General Practitioner, Al Kharj Military Industries Corporation Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Author
Zeeshah Nadeem Lecturer, Mohi-ud-Din Islamic Medical College, Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan Author
Humna Ijaz Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/rwa63j31

Keywords:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Qualitative Research, Phenomenology, Patient Experience, Treatment Adherence, Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition that disrupts physical functioning, emotional well-being, social participation, and treatment adherence. Although COPD care is often evaluated through clinical outcomes, less is known about how patients experience daily disease management and integrate long-term treatment into routine life. Objective: To explore the lived experiences of adults with COPD, focusing on daily activity limitation, emotional burden, treatment adherence, coping strategies, healthcare communication, and contextual influences. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted among 20 adults with clinically diagnosed COPD recruited through purposive sampling from outpatient and community healthcare settings. Data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed through inductive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework. Trustworthiness was supported through field notes, reflexive journaling, independent coding, audit trail documentation, and member checking. Results: Five themes emerged: physical disruption of daily life, emotional burden and uncertainty, treatment adherence challenges, coping and social support, and healthcare communication within environmental and cultural contexts. Breathlessness and fatigue restricted independence, while fear of exacerbation contributed to anxiety and social withdrawal. Adherence was shaped by medication cost, complex regimens, limited inhaler understanding, and clinician communication. Family support, activity pacing, breathing exercises, and clear explanations facilitated coping and treatment continuity. Conclusion: COPD care should address physical symptoms, psychological distress, treatment literacy, affordability, social support, and environmental barriers through holistic patient-centered strategies.

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