Table 5 Super-ordinate themes, subthemes, weight and frequencies divided by patients and bed partners and by adaptation phase.
Super-ordinate themes | Themes | Sub-themes | Weight (N of participants/24, %) | Weight (N of fragments/659, %) | Sub-themes frequency (N T0 patients/4, %) | Sub-themes frequency (N T0 bed partners/4, %) | Sub-themes frequency (N T1 patients/4, %) | Sub-themes frequency (N T1 bed partners/4, %) | Sub-themes frequency (N T2 patients/4, %) | Sub-themes frequency (N T2 bed partners/4, %) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Making Sense of the Illness | Identity | Illness metaphor | 11 (45.8%) | 15 (2.28%) | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 3, 75% | 2, 50% |
Self-representation | 6 (25.0%) | 7 (1.06%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | ||
Perceived threat | 4 (16.7%) | 5 (0.76%) | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | ||
Misperception | 17 (70.8%) | 23 (3.49%) | 4, 100% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 3, 75% | 4, 100% | ||
Shared illness | 11 (45.8%) | 15 (2.28%) | 1, 25% | 4, 100% | 0, 0% | 3, 75% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | ||
Time-Line | Lifelong symptom | 12 (50.0%) | 14 (2.12%) | 3, 75% | 3, 75% | 2, 50% | 4, 100% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | |
Permanent symptom | 2 (8.3%) | 2 (0.30%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Consequences | Health problems | 10 (41.7%) | 12 (1.82%) | 3, 75% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | |
Cognitive problems | 8 (33.3%) | 8 (1.21%) | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | ||
Work-related problems | 8 (33.3%) | 13 (1.97%) | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | ||
Family problems | 4 (16.7%) | 6 (0.91%) | 3, 75% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 3, 75% | 2, 50% | ||
Couple problems | 14 (58.3%) | 22 (3.34%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | ||
Social problems | 2 (8.3%) | 3 (0.46%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Psychological problems | 13 (54.2%) | 19 (2.88%) | 4, 100% | 2, 50% | 3, 75% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | ||
Causes | Ageing | 4 (16.7%) | 4 (0.61%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | |
Sedentary life-style | 1 (4.2%) | 1 (0.15%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Smoking habits | 2 (8.3%) | 2 (0.30%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | ||
Alcohol consumption | 1 (4.2%) | 1 (0.15%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Overweight | 7 (29.2%) | 11 (1.67%) | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | ||
Pre-existing illness conditions | 5 (20.8%) | 6 (0.91%) | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | ||
Stress | 5 (20.8%) | 9 (1.36%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | ||
Control | Hope in CPAP efficacy | 5 (20.8%) | 5 (0.76%) | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | |
Out of control condition | 4 (16.7%) | 8 (1.21%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | ||
Living the Illness Together | First-Symptoms Detector | Reporting night-time symptoms | 15 (62.5%) | 21 (3.19%) | 2, 50% | 3, 75% | 2, 50% | 3, 75% | 2, 50% | 3, 75% |
Reporting day-time symptoms | 7 (29.2%) | 10 (1.51%) | 0, 0% | 3, 75% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | ||
Motivator to Schedule the First Medical Visit | Inability to sleep | 5 (20.8%) | 7 (1.06%) | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | |
Concern for partner’s health | 8 (33.3%) | 10 (1.51%) | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | ||
Motivator to Undergo CPAP Therapy | Reassuring about the effectiveness of CPAP | 4 (16.7%) | 1 (0.15%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 3, 75% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | |
Partner as CPAP success example | 1 (4.2%) | 7 (1.06%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Concern for partner’s health | 7 (29.2%) | 7 (1.06%) | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | ||
Source of Support | Overcoming diagnosis related fear | 2 (8.3%) | 5 (0.76%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | |
Standing by patient’ side during difficulties | 6 (25.0%) | 9 (1.36%) | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 3, 75% | 0, 0% | ||
From CPAP Resistance to Acceptance | Barriers to CPAP use | Perceiving the CPAP machine as uncomfortable | 15 (62.5%) | 26 (3.94%) | 2, 50% | 3, 75% | 4, 100% | 1, 25% | 4, 100% | 1, 25% |
Negative CPAP experiences of close ones | 1 (4.2%) | 1 (0.15%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Inability to adapt to new situations | 7 (29.2%) | 9 (1.36%) | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | ||
Suffering from gastroesophageal reflux | 3 (12.5%) | 4 (0.61%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | ||
Claustrophobia and anxiety | 3 (12.5%) | 3 (0.46%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | ||
CPAP limits intimacy | 3 (12.5%) | 6 (0.91%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Perceiving oneself as unattractive with the mask | 4 (16.7%) | 6 (0.91%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | ||
Hot weather | 2 (8.3%) | 3 (0.46%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | ||
Lack of information and awareness about OSA and CPAP efficacy | 5 (20.8%) | 8 (1.21%) | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | ||
Fear of medications and doctors | 4 (16.7%) | 7 (1.06%) | 0, 0% | 3, 75% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | ||
Beard | 1 (4.2%) | 2 (0.30%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Motivators to CPAP use | Feeling supported by the partner | 7 (29.2%) | 8 (1.21%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 3, 75% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | |
Deep sleeping (don’t hear any loud) | 7 (29.2%) | 8 (1.21%) | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | ||
Perceiving couple relationship benefits | 14 (58.3%) | 20 (3.03%) | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 3, 75% | 4, 100% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | ||
Positive CPAP impact on close ones | 3 (12.5%) | 3 (0.46%) | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | ||
Knowing OSA-related health problems | 11 (45.8%) | 15 (2.28%) | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 3, 75% | ||
Need for driver’s license | 6 (25.0%) | 6 (0.91%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 4, 100% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | ||
Perceiving CPAP as non-invasive | 1 (4.2%) | 1 (0.15%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Perceiving CPAP effectiveness on quality of life | 11 (45.8%) | 15 (2.28%) | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 4, 100% | 2, 50% | 3, 75% | 1, 25% | ||
Perceiving CPAP as a relaxation technique | 3 (12.5%) | 3 (0.46%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Feeling more active | 3 (12.5%) | 4 (0.61%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Coping strategis to improve CPAP Use | Learning to accept OSA | 6 (25.0%) | 6 (0.91%) | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | |
Being adaptive and flexible | 6 (25.0%) | 10 (1.51%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | ||
Looking for OSA management/condition information on internet | 4 (16.7%) | 4 (0.61%) | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | ||
Looking for OSA management/condition information talking with friends | 3 (12.5%) | 3 (0.46%) | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | ||
Relying on doctors and scheduling regular follow-up visits | 7 (29.2%) | 11 (1.67%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 3, 75% | 1, 25% | ||
Using a pillow to avoid cold air | 1 (4.2%) | 1 (0.15%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Coping strategies to improve OSA condition | Waking up earlier | 2 (8.3%) | 2 (0.30%) | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | |
Taking day-time naps | 3 (12.5%) | 4 (0.61%) | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | ||
Going to bed later | 2 (8.3%) | 2 (0.30%) | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Sleep divorce | 10 (41.7%) | 12 (1.82%) | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 3, 75% | 3, 75% | ||
Loosing weight | 10 (41.7%) | 13 (1.97%) | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 4, 100% | 1, 25% | ||
Eating energetic food | 2 (8.3%) | 2 (0.30%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | ||
Taking herbal teas and infusions | 1 (4.2%) | 1 (0.15%) | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Using ear plugs | 2 (8.3%) | 2 (0.30%) | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Taking sleeping pills | 3 (12.5%) | 3 (0.46%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | ||
Sleeping on one’ side | 4 (16.7%) | 5 (0.76%) | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | ||
Doing physical activity | 2 (8.3%) | 3 (0.46%) | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Tips for improving OSA management | Introducing psychological support | 6 (25.0%) | 6 (0.91%) | 1, 25% | 3, 75% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | |
Feeling supported and understood from close ones | 4 (16.7%) | 4 (0.61%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | ||
Increasing OSA awareness through information | 9 (37.5%) | 10 (1.51%) | 0, 0% | 3, 75% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | ||
Increasing contact opportunities with the provider technician | 7 (29.2%) | 8 (1.21%) | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | ||
Introducing OSA telemedicine | 2 (8.3%) | 2 (0.30%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Introducing peer supportive groups | 2 (8.3%) | 2 (0.30%) | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Introduction of exemptions for CPAP users working shifts | 1 (4.2%) | 1 (0.15%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Couple’s achievements after CPAP therapy | Living everyday life more serenely | 4 (16.7%) | 4 (0.61%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 3, 75% | |
Arguing less | 2 (8.3%) | 2 (0.30%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | ||
Communicating more | 4 (16.7%) | 4 (0.61%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | ||
Doing more things together | 4 (16.7%) | 4 (0.61%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Patients’ achievemts after CPAP Therapy | Night-time symptoms resolution | 13 (54.2%) | 16 (2.43%) | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 4, 100% | 2, 50% | 3, 75% | 3, 75% | |
Brain fog resolution | 3 (12.5%) | 4 (0.61%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | ||
Feeling less nervous and irritable | 5 (20.8%) | 5 (0.76%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 3, 75% | ||
Feeling more energic | 7 (29.2%) | 8 (1.21%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 3, 75% | 1, 25% | ||
Bed partners’ achievements after CPAP Therapy | Being more at ease regarding partner’s health | 6 (25.0%) | 6 (0.91%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 3, 75% | |
Sleeping better | 4 (16.7%) | 4 (0.61%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 1, 25% | 3, 75% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Future expectations | Getting back to enjoying time with family | 2 (8.3%) | 2 (0.30%) | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | |
Feeling more efficient at work | 2 (8.3%) | 2 (0.30%) | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | ||
Feeling better during the day | 8 (33.3%) | 11 (1.67%) | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% | ||
Addressing other health problems | 9 (37.5%) | 17 (2.58%) | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 1, 25% | ||
Recovering/no longer use CPAP in the future | 5 (20.8%) | 8 (1.21%) | 0, 0% | 0, 0% | 2, 50% | 1, 25% | 2, 50% | 0, 0% |
