Health information in the pandemic—perceptions of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

ABSTRACT

Background: The risk of a severe or fatal course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is greatly increased especially in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For this risk group, it is therefore essential to actively, continuously, and consciously deal with health information on the topic of COVID-19 in order to be able to assess the risks and possible consequences of a disease and to know and weigh up possible courses of action. Question How do people with a COPD diagnosis deal with health information on the topic of COVID-19? Methods: An explorative qualitative study was conducted with COPD patients. The guided interviews focused on competencies following the health literacy model of Sørensen et al. and the occasions for health information seeking on COVID-19. The interviews were analyzed using content-structuring content analysis according to Mayring. Results: Seven interviews were conducted with COPD patients between March and July 2021. Reasons for the participants to inform themselves about the coronavirus pandemic were especially the fear of becoming infected with COVID-19 as well as the need to find trustworthy information, e.g., about infection figures and measures to contain the pandemic. In this regard, the use of various sources of information about COVID-19 was crucial for respondents. Critical reflection of found information took place at least partially. Measures to protect against infection were implemented by the respondents. Conclusion: In view of the existing uncertainties associated with the pandemic, the use of different sources of information and a reflective handling of available health information on COVID-19 appears essential. Consequently, low-threshold access to reliable and target group-specific health information, e.g., from medical professionals, is of particular importance for people with COPD. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Der/die Autor(en), exklusiv lizenziert an Springer-Verlag GmbH Deutschland, ein Teil von Springer Nature.