Qualitative Analysis of the Disease Experience of Korean Older Men With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The current qualitative study explored perceptions and experiences of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among Korean male older adults. Six older adults participated in a narrative group interview. Responses were analyzed to describe perceptions and experiences of COPD. Social stigma, blaming others and the environment, stress to bear alone, and adaptation and management emerged as relevant themes for adaptation to COPD. In relation to obstacles to healthy behaviors after adapting to COPD, emergent themes were adapting to symptoms, external environmental factors, alternative treatments, and insufficient resources. Facilitators of healthy behaviors were past symptom experience, personal volition, and advice from health professionals. Older adult men with COPD trying to adapt to the disease need sufficient resources and social support from families, social networks, and health professionals. Development of interventions for older adults with COPD should include knowledge and understanding of experience and needs.