EFFECTS OF EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM ON THE PERCEPTION OF EMPOWERMENT AND SELF CARE BEHAVIORS AMONG PATIENTS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEES

Abstract

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the effects of empowerment program on the perception of empowerment and self care behavior among patients with osteoarthritis of the knees. To examine the effects of the empowerment program data were collected from 40 patients in a primary care unit in Phitsanulok Province, who met the criteria of osteoarthritis from October to December, 2007. The samples were matched into experimental group and control group with 20 patients in each group. The experimental group received the empowerment program. The control group received a routine services program. The instruments used to collect data consisted of a screening instrument, a daily activity record, a perceived empowerment questionnaire and an experimental instrument, Participants were also provided with a handbook regarding osteoarthritis of the knees. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, percentage, standard deviation, paired sample t-test, independent t-test, and ANOVA. The results revealed that; the osteoarthritis patients who were in the experimental group had significantly higher scores of the perceived empowerment and the self care behavior than those before the intervention (p<.05). The osteoarthritis patients who were in the experimental group had significantly higher scores of the perceived empowerment and the self care behavior than the patients who were in the control group (p<.05). This study shows that the empowerment program increase the patients’ perception of the empowerment and the self care behavior among patients with osteoarthritis of the knees. The results suggest that the program could be used effectively to promote health among other osteoarthritis patients

Keywords

• Empowerment,perception,self care behaviors,osteoarthritis of the knees

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