Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Supervisor

Sibbald, Shannon L.

Abstract

Currently, there are many barriers to women seeking diagnosis and treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These barriers include greater under-diagnosis and fewer medical consultations. Often thought of as a "male smoker's" disease, in the past decade there has been a sharp increase in the number of COPD cases in women. This research explored the lived experiences of women with COPD through diagnosis and treatment. This research used van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenological methodology guided by a critical theory paradigm. The results highlighted the experiences of women with COPD, what women want from their care, and recommendations to better support women’s journeys with COPD. Without access to information and timely diagnosis, women with COPD are unable to improve their quality of life. By exploring the experiences of women with COPD, this research can help support the development of solutions to allow women to receive better support through their COPD journeys.

Summary for Lay Audience

Currently, there are many barriers to women seeking diagnosis and treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These barriers include less diagnosis and less visits with a doctor, among others. COPD is a lifelong disease that affects the lungs and ability to breathe freely. This causes extreme discomfort and a lower quality of life. COPD can cause a recurring cough, breathlessness, and tiredness. There is no cure for COPD; treatments for the disease are used to manage symptoms. As such, the quality of life of a person living with COPD can depend on the care that is being received. Often thought of as a "male smoker's" disease, in the past decade there has been a sharp increase in the number of COPD cases in women. Despite limited research on the sex and gender differences surrounding COPD, there is no research that focuses on women’s experiences through their diagnosis and treatment journeys.

Our study explored women’s experiences through their diagnosis and treatment journeys. This research sought to understand these experiences and explore ways to improve their journeys. This was done by conducting one-on-one interviews with women with COPD to gain an understanding about their experiences directly from them.

The findings from this research highlighted different aspects that make up women’s experiences living with COPD. Women in this study shared their stories and discussed ways their journey could have been improved. Participants expressed the desire to be understood by providers and treated holistically as ways to improve their diagnosis and treatment journeys. The importance of increased awareness and education to the public around COPD was emphasized. These topics can be used to create recommendations to better support women through their COPD journeys.

This study is timely and focuses on the experiences of women with COPD from women living it. Allowing them to use their voice and share what is important to their journey with COPD will allow us to better support women with similar experiences. It is important to share the voice of women with COPD in a space where it had previously been ignored, in the hopes to improve their journeys.

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