The Lived Experience of Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in a Rural Community in Northern Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of community-dwelling older adults living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a rural community in Northern Thailand. The study was grounded in Parker and Barry’s model of community nursing practice model based on the concepts and values of respect, persons in their wholeness, and caring in nursing. Data were generated and analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological approach. Four themes were revealed: confronting a life-threatening illness, caring for self, keeping meaningful relationships, and living guided by spiritual beliefs. The meaning of the experience was synthesized as finding balance between living with a threatening illness and living meaningful lives.

Systematic review of perception of barriers and facilitators to chronic disease self‐management among older adults: Implications for evidence‐based practice

“…Personal‐related barriers were reported in 11 articles as significant barriers that limited older people's engagement in the CDSM (Bowling et al, 2017; Bustillos & Sharkey, 2020; Danyuthasilpe et al, 2015; George & Thomas, 2010; Haltiwanger, 2012; Li et al, 2013; Meranius & Hammar, 2016; O'Conor et al, 2017; Shirazian et al, 2016; Song et al, 2010; Wang & Matthews, 2010). Personal‐related barriers included decline in physical and cognitive health, low health literacy, low self‐regulation, and financial difficulty.…”

“…Personal‐related barriers included decline in physical and cognitive health, low health literacy, low self‐regulation, and financial difficulty. Decline in physical health was attributed to the aging process or the nature of chronic disease, which reduced older adults’ capacity to adhere to exercise recommendations in the self‐management regimen (Bowling et al, 2017; Bustillos & Sharkey, 2020; Danyuthasilpe et al, 2015; Li et al, 2013; O'Conor et al, 2017; Song et al, 2010). Cognitive decline challenged older adults’ practice of self‐management regarding medication adherence.…”

“…Families were described as the most common facilitator that helped improve older adults' engagement in managing their chronic disease in seven papers (Bowling et al, 2017; Danyuthasilpe et al, 2015; Haltiwanger, 2012; Li et al, 2013; Shen et al, 2013; Shirazian et al, 2016; Song et al, 2010). Family was described as primary source for both self‐care and mental support.…”

“…Family was described as primary source for both self‐care and mental support. Support from spouses was commonly described (Bowling et al, 2017; Danyuthasilpe et al, 2015; Haltiwanger, 2012; Li et al, 2013; Shen et al, 2013; Song et al, 2010).…”

“…Having a social network was reported as the second most common facilitator that enabled older adults to live with their chronic disease in term of emotional self‐management (Danyuthasilpe et al, 2015; Li et al, 2013; Shen et al, 2013; Song et al, 2010). Older adults in these studies reported that networking with other older adults living with similar diseases and facing similar problems helped them to overcome negative feelings toward their disease diagnosis.…”