Coping Strategies for Anxiety in CRDs in South Asia: Clinicians’ Interviews

Anxiety is one of the most significant and prevalent comorbidities in Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs), particularly among patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In Southeast Asia, its prevalence is especially high due to factors such as air pollution, poverty, and limited access to mental health care. Although substantial literature exists on the link between anxiety and CRDs, there is a notable gap in evidence related to coping strategies and nonpharmacological treatments for anxiety among these patients in the South Asian context. Addressing this gap is crucial to improving patient outcomes and holistic care. Therefore, this research focuses on mapping coping strategies for anxiety in CRDs in South Asia and exploring clinicians’ experiences and perspectives regarding these approaches in Pakistan. This study employed a multimethod research design comprising a scoping review and qualitative clinician interviews. The scoping review was conducted to map existing evidence on coping strategies for anxiety in CRDs, following the JBI guidelines and PRISMA-ScR framework. In the second phase, semi-structured online interviews were carried out with clinicians in Pakistan to explore their experiences and perspectives on coping strategies for anxiety in patients with CRDs. The interview questions were informed by Lazarus and Folkman’s (1984) stress and coping theory. Data from the interviews were analysed thematically, and the findings from both phases were integrated to identify areas of convergence and divergence. The final synthesis provided combined conclusions and recommendations for practice and future research. This study highlights the urgent need for culturally informed, evidence-based approaches to manage anxiety among patients with CRDs in South Asia. The integration of scoping review findings and clinician perspectives revealed that effective coping strategies include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), yoga, meditation, music therapy, social support, and patient education. Clinicians emphasised the importance of tailoring these interventions to cultural norms, individual needs, and resource availability. Despite limitations such as the regional focus on Pakistan and the absence of direct patient input, this study contributes valuable insights that bridge research and practice. It underscores the need for region-specific policies, enhanced clinician training, and further patient-centred research to strengthen anxiety management and improve quality of life for individuals with CRDs in South Asia.