Abstract
Background: COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is one of the most widespread lung diseases and a growing cause of suffering and mortality worldwide. It is predicted to become the third leading cause of death in the near future. Smoking is the most important risk factor and 50% of smokers develop COPD. Smoking cessation is the most important intervention to improve prognosis for individuals with COPD.
Aim: To describe the experience of not being able to stop smoking among persons diagnosed with moderate COPD.
Methods: Ten smokers (5 women) with COPD, GOLD stage II, participated in semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. The participants were recruited from the OLIN studies in Northern Sweden.
Results: The analysis resulted in two themes: 1) Life is governed by a long smoking history that is difficult to break and 2) To be aware of and enlightened, but lacking ability to make a decision, and in five categories: That it is the wrong time in life to stop; To break a lifelong pattern is almost impossible; That plans to stop does not lead to results; Being aware of the consequences of continued smoking and to have received help and support but not wanting to be patronized. Although they knew about the harmful effects of smoking, difficulties in everyday life aggravated smoking cessation. To have plans to stop smoking is not enough, it is also necessary to get motivation and support from the social environment at the right time.
Conclusion: The individual life situations are very important for successful smoking cessation. Health professionals should be even more sensitive and provide an individually tailored support when an individual decides to stop smoking.
- © 2011 ERS