Assessment of chronic disease acceptance based on the example of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the most common diseases in the world. It is one of the most important social problems causing high mortality. The changes occurring in the lungs are characterized by not fully reversible airflow limitation through air passages. Treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease consists in the prevention of the disease progression and reduction of the factors that cause the disease and its exacerbation. The quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is significantly affected by pulmonary rehabilitation, which is part of the therapy. Rehabilitation includes all measures aimed at improving the physical, mental and social health of the patient. Aim. The aim of the study is to assess the level of acceptance of chronic disease based on the example of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and to study the impact of factors forming a certain level of the disease acceptance. Material and Methods. The study was conducted at the Provincial Hospital in Plock. The study group consisted of 100 patients in the Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Tuberculosis. The research was carried out by means of an estimating method and a diagnostic survey. The Disease Acceptance Scale as well as the survey questionnaire were used as the research tools. Results. The studies have shown that patients accept the disease at the secondary level. The disease acceptance assessment are affected by health, psychological and social factors. Conclusions. 1. The acceptance level of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease does not depend significantly on gender, age, education, marital status and the way of residing. 2. The acceptance of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease depends significantly on the place of one’s residence. Patients residing in the city exhibit a higher level of acceptance of the disease compared with those living in the countryside. 3. The acceptance of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease depends significantly on comorbidities. Patients with concomitant diseases present a lower level of acceptance of the disease than patients without other diseases