Living with cystic fibrosis during the COVID-19 pandemic: a social connectedness perspective

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being

Melanie Jessup¹  Kellie Bennett²  Siobhain Mulrennan²  Maggie Harrigan² 

[1] The University of Queensland;UWA Medical School, The University of Western Australia;

关键词: cystic fibrosis (cf);    qualitative;    social connectedness;    covid-19;    belonging;    resilience;    social support;    mental health;    chronic illness;    western australia;   

DOI  :  10.1080/17482631.2022.2062820

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Purpose This study explores the concept of social connectedness for adults with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), generally and during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, to help inform contemporary CF healthcare. Social connectedness is an essential component of belonging and refers to an individual’s sense of closeness with the social world. Unique disease factors make exploration of social connectedness pertinent, added to by COVID-19, with the CF population potentially facing increased risk for severe illness. Methods Seventeen adults with CF in Western Australia undertook interviews, with findings categorized as overarching themes. Results In a general sense, participants described social connectedness challenges caused by CF, despite which they reported meaningful connections that benefits their mental and physical health. Within a COVID-19 specific context, participants demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, highlighted the importance of empathy in relation to the pandemic, and described how social support is both an outcome and enhancer of social connectedness. Conclusions This study contributes to limited social connectedness literature within CF and chronic illness in general, highlighting the importance of social connectedness awareness raising, assessments and interventions in CF healthcare inside and outside the COVID-19 pandemic.

【 授权许可】

Unknown