Effects of a self-management education program on self-efficacy in patients with COPD: a mixed-methods sequential...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Health Psychology
• Chronic Disease Management

Background:

• Self-management education programs (SMEPs) show promise for managing COPD symptoms.
• Effectiveness of SMEPs in Chinese COPD populations remains under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a tailored SMEP on self-efficacy among Chinese COPD patients.
• To explore patient perceptions and influencing factors of SMEP effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the SMEP.
• Self-efficacy was measured using the COPD Self-efficacy Scale at baseline and 6 months.
• Qualitative data were gathered through focus groups to complement quantitative findings.

Main Results:

• The SMEP group demonstrated significant improvements in general self-efficacy and specific areas like physical exertion, environmental effects, and emotional regulation.
• Qualitative themes included enhanced disease control, improved psychosocial well-being, and recognition of individual patient perceptions.
• Quantitative and qualitative data indicated that individual perceptual constancy may modulate intervention effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• SMEPs offer potential benefits for Chinese patients with COPD.
• Culturally sensitive adaptations are crucial for developing effective SMEPs in Chinese populations.
• Further research should explore cultural factors in chronic disease self-management interventions.