Two measures of exposure to experientially similar others
were calculated: whether any family members had been diagnosed with AATD or COPD and had participation in support groups. Respondents indicated whether any of their family members had been diagnosed with AATD or COPD. Responses were coded to indicate no exposure to experientially similar others in the family (i.e., no family members had been diagnosed with AATD or COPD) versus any exposure to experientially similar others in the family (i.e., at least one family member had been diagnosed with AATD and/or COPD). With regard to participation in support groups, respondents reported the number of times in the past 12 months that they had attended alpha-1 support groups or educational
meetings. Responses were coded to indicate participation in zero groups/meetings, one to two groups/meetings, or three or more groups/meetings in the past 12 months.