Effect of implementing Empowerment Model on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients' Knowledge and Self-Efficacy

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the 4th leading cause of death all over the world that requires long-term treatment. Although drugs can optimize airway function and decrease symptoms, self-care still crucial. Empowerment interventions aimed to improve self-care, knowledge and developing self-efficacy of patients with COPD to prevent the complications. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of implementing empowerment model on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients' knowledge and self-efficacy. Subjects and Method: A quasi experimental research design was utilized, purposive sample of 60 patients with COPD, who attended the chest department and chest outpatient clinic at Tanta Main University Hospital during the period of data collection. Tools: Two tools were used. First Tool: A Structure Interview Questionnaire, which composed of three parts: Part (1): patients' socio-demographic data. Part (2): Clinical patients' data, as past medical history, causes and duration of disease. Part (3): The COPD patients' knowledge questionnaire. Second Tool: The COPD Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSE): Results: Most of studied patients (90%) scored low total knowledge level preempowerment intervention model, while the majority of them (80%) scored high knowledge level post empowerment model intervention. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between total scores of knowledge and self-efficacy patients' levels after empowerment intervention in relation to age, sex, work, educational level and marital status. Conclusion& Recommendations: The results of this study demonstrate that the empowerment strategy had a good impact on COPD patients' self-efficacy and knowledge. Therefore, the evidence must concentrate on enhancing self-efficacy on direct self-care practices