Percepção da felicidade em indivíduos com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica: um estudo qualitativo

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) causes respiratory and systemic changes that impact the physical, mental, and social health of individuals, leading to reduced quality of life and a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. However, the perception of happiness has not been previously investigated in this population. Objectives: To investigate and discuss the perception of happiness in individuals with COPD, aiming to understand the impact of the disease on this emotional construct. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured, in-person interviews based on the “PERMA+4” framework, which assesses happiness across the domains of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning in life, accomplishment, health, economics, mindset, and environment. The data were transcribed and analyzed independently by two researchers using thematic and content analysis. Results: Thirty individuals were studied (mean age: 68.8 ± 7.7 years; FEV1: 43.2 ± 19.2% of predicted; 50% male). The majority (90%) reported considering themselves happy and demonstrated a positive perception of happiness in most domains evaluated, except for “engagement,” characterized by the absence of activities fostering this perception, and “physical health,” where key themes included pain, fatigue, and other chronic conditions. When comparing the perception of happiness before and after the onset of COPD, 47% of participants reported being happier before the disease, attributing this to greater functional capacity and the absence of disease-related limitations. The domains of engagement, positive relationships, physical health, and mindset were perceived as worse currently compared to the period before COPD. Conclusion: Individuals with COPD report a positive perception of happiness, except in the domains of engagement and physical health. They perceive themselves as less happy now than before the onset of the disease. These findings contribute to understanding happiness in this population and may assist healthcare professionals in developing therapeutic interventions targeting not only physical improvement but also emotional well-being.