Exploring the Lived Experiences of Women with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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.