Chronic respiratory illness and disability: a critical review of the psychosocial literature

Abstract

The paper attempts to offer a critical review of the current psychosocial literature on chronic obstructive airways disease (COAD: emphysema, chronic obstructive bronchitis and chronic asthma) from a (medical) sociological perspective. Following a brief exposition of the clinical nature of COAD and its epidemiology the paper reviews some of the main psychosocial literature in the field. It then focuses on some of the problems concerning issues of methodology and measurement within the existing research, particularly the inadequacy of many of the 'quality of life' instruments and disability measures used; the lack of research which combines both quantitative and qualitative data; and the predominant concern with the psychological aspects of the condition to the detriment of the social dimensions involved. Using the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps (ICIDH) as its conceptual scaffold, the paper then goes on to argue that a sociological perspective is both a necessary and essential complement to existing research in this area in order to achieve a fuller understanding of chronic respiratory illness/disability and its sequelae. Finally, the paper attempts to offer some possible reasons why chronic respiratory and disability has received relatively little attention from within the social sciences and concludes with some reflections and suggestions on possible future developments in research into chronic respiratory illness and disability from within the social sciences.