OCCUPATION AND HEALTH ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (11): 1446-1450.

• Treatise • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Intervention study of self-management model based on empowerment theory on respiratory function and self-management efficacy in patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis

ZHANG Yixiang1, LING Dongqing1, ZHU Ruolan2, WEI Huini1, WEI Shunyu1, HUAN Huaying1   

  1. 1 Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Workers' HospitalNanningGuangxi 530021, China
    2 Guangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningGuangxi 530200, China
  • Received:2026-04-09 Revised:2026-04-14 Online:2026-06-01 Published:2026-06-10

Abstract:

Objective To explore a self-management model based on empowerment theory and through a quasi-experimental study,systematically verify its intervention effects on improving self-management efficacy,respiratory function,and health-related quality of life in patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Methods A total of 120 patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis admitted to the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Workers' Hospital from August 2023 to August 2024 were divided into two groups according to the order of admission. The control group(n=60) received conventional care,while the intervention group(n=60) received an 8-week structured self-management intervention based on empowerment theory in addition to conventional care. The effects were assessed in both groups before and after 8 weeks of intervention using the St. George's respiratory questionnaire(SGRQ) and a self-management behaviour questionnaire for pneumoconiosis patients. Categorical data between groups were compared using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test depending on theoretical frequency. SGRQ scores were described using MP25P75) and compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. Self-management behavior scores were analyzed using ANCOVA with pre-intervention scores as covariates to control baseline imbalances. Results After controlling for baseline,the intervention group scored significantly higher than the control group in the dimensions of "symptom management" and "disease knowledge management" of self-management behavior(F=15.412,21.434,both P<0.01). SGRQ assessment showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of "respiratory symptoms" "impact on daily life" "activity capacity" or "total score"(Z=-1.160,-1.423,-0.242,0.646,all P>0.05). Conclusion Empowerment-based self-management can effectively enhance symptom management and disease knowledge in patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis,but does not significantly improve short-term quality of life. This model provides evidence-based support for targeted reinforcement of core self-management skills in patients.

Key words: Empowerment theory, Self-management interventions, Coal workers' pneumoconiosis, Symptom management, Self-efficacy

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