Social connections become increasingly valuable yet difficult to maintain as COPD progresses, with worsening symptoms contributing to disconnection and negatively impacting self-management and health.
Qualitative analysis reveals that worsening COPD symptoms contribute to social disconnection, highlighting the need for a biopsychosocial approach to support patient self-management and overall health.
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face increased risk of social isolation and loneliness. However, social dimensions are frequently overlooked in respiratory care. We aimed to explore the role of social connection in living with COPD, including influences on health and function. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 19 people with COPD (median age 78 years range 58–88; 14 with severe airflow obstruction). Three themes were identified: social connection supports COPD self-management, the “triple threat” of COPD to social connection, and the inseparable nature of social health. Participants described how worsening symptoms, particularly breathlessness, contribute to disconnection through physical restrictions, psychological reactions, and societal unawareness, with negative impacts on self-management and wider physical and psychological health. We conclude that social connections become increasingly valuable, yet increasingly difficult to maintain, as COPD progresses. Supporting individuals to maintain connections within a biopsychosocial approach may unlock wider health benefits.
Brighton et al. (2026) studied Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n=19). Social connection was evaluated on Role of social connection in living with COPD, including influences on health and function. Social connections become increasingly valuable yet difficult to maintain as COPD progresses, with worsening symptoms contributing to disconnection and negatively impacting self-management and health.