Patient perceptions of vulnerability to recurrent respiratory tract infections and prevention strategies: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are extremely common, usually self-limiting, but responsible for considerable work sickness absence, reduced quality of life, inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and healthcare costs. Patients who experience recurrent RTIs and those with certain comorbid conditions have higher personal impact and healthcare costs and may be more likely to suffer disease exacerbations, hospitalisation and death. We explored how these patients experience and perceive their RTIs to understand how best to engage them in prevention behaviours.

Design

A qualitative interview study.

Setting

Primary care, UK.

Methods

23 participants who reported recurrent RTIs and/or had relevant comorbid health conditions were interviewed about their exp

SUBMITTER: Dennison L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9021765 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature