Disease Burden and Sexual Life Experiences of Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the disease burden encountered by individuals with COPD, with a comprehensive investigation of the effect of the disease on sexual life. In this study, a phenomenological research design, a qualitative research type, was employed. The study involved 36 individuals diagnosed with COPD. The data collection process involved conducting individual, face-to-face interviews. Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis method was utilized for the data analysis. The analysis of the data yielded two categories (burdens of the disease and sexual life) and six primary themes (physical effects, mental effects, social effects, difficulties during sexual activity, the spouse’s perspective on the problems, and dealing with sexual problems). The outcomes of this study highlighted the significant burden of COPD on patients and its adverse impact on their sexual lives. Given the complex nature of COPD, a thorough and professional assessment of patients’ sexual well-being, coupled with timely identification of sexual dysfunctions and appropriate interventions, is of utmost importance.