TY - JOUR
T1 - Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or type 2 diabetes in Greenland–a qualitative interpretive description study
AU - Nielsen, Maja Hykkelbjerg
AU - Jensen, Annesofie Lunde
AU - Pedersen, Michael Lynge
AU - Seibæk, Lene
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - Non-communicable diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) represent major challenges for health systems all over the world. In an interview study, we explored patient experiences and perspectives of being diagnosed and living with COPD or T2D in Greenland. Participants (n = 24) were selected by purposeful sampling and recruited by phone. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews at the National Hospital in Nuuk and the four regional hospitals. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using interpretive description. Three themes emerged: shock and shame on receiving the diagnosis, coping with a changed life, and varying needs for care and communication. We found that being diagnosed with COPD or T2D required a rapid change in the participants’ everyday lives and lifestyle behaviours. Some self-managed their disease well and were able to transfer their knowledge and integrate it into their daily lives, while others struggled to make lifestyle changes. Additionally, living with COPD or T2D could be related to silence and shame. The findings contribute to a better understanding of living with COPD or T2D in the Arctic region and the development of future, culturally-adapted patient education initiatives.
AB - Non-communicable diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) represent major challenges for health systems all over the world. In an interview study, we explored patient experiences and perspectives of being diagnosed and living with COPD or T2D in Greenland. Participants (n = 24) were selected by purposeful sampling and recruited by phone. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews at the National Hospital in Nuuk and the four regional hospitals. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using interpretive description. Three themes emerged: shock and shame on receiving the diagnosis, coping with a changed life, and varying needs for care and communication. We found that being diagnosed with COPD or T2D required a rapid change in the participants’ everyday lives and lifestyle behaviours. Some self-managed their disease well and were able to transfer their knowledge and integrate it into their daily lives, while others struggled to make lifestyle changes. Additionally, living with COPD or T2D could be related to silence and shame. The findings contribute to a better understanding of living with COPD or T2D in the Arctic region and the development of future, culturally-adapted patient education initiatives.
KW - chronic disease
KW - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
KW - Greenlandic cultural norms
KW - interpretive description
KW - Non-communicable disease
KW - qualitative study
KW - type 2 diabetes
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85180690036&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/22423982.2023.2296706
DO - 10.1080/22423982.2023.2296706
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 38127836
AN - SCOPUS:85180690036
SN - 1239-9736
VL - 83
JO - International Journal of Circumpolar Health
JF - International Journal of Circumpolar Health
IS - 1
M1 - 2296706
ER -