Heavy shackles: The experience of symptom distress and coping behaviors of Chinese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exhibit various symptoms, some of which can negatively affect their daily lives. Thus, they may adopt coping behaviors to improve their condition. This qualitative descriptive study investigated symptom distress and coping behaviors among 19 Chinese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using individual, semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews. We identified the following three themes for the patients' symptom distress: distressing symptoms, inescapable imprisonment, and no choice other than being a burden to the family. The various coping behaviors of the patients were categorized into the following three themes: struggle during the medical treatment process, careful maintenance of daily life, and coping with negative emotions. Although all patients experienced physical and psychological distress, they displayed a strong desire to improve their lives and health. By recognizing the patients' symptom distress and coping behaviors, tailored interventions could be developed to improve the quality of their lives.