Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or type 2 diabetes in Greenland – a qualitative interpretive description study

• Published in: International Journal of Circumpolar Health
• Main Authors: Maja Hykkelbjerg Nielsen, Annesofie Lunde Jensen, Michael Lynge Pedersen, Lene Seibæk
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 1481
• Subjects: Non-communicable disease; chronic disease; type 2 diabetes; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; qualitative study; interpretive description; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic; Greenland; Nuuk; Circumpolar Health; International Journal of Circumpolar Health
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2023.2296706; https://doaj.org/article/15ba8c48f5a44161a4f4161dd89c1f35

ABSTRACTNon-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.