The Effectiveness of a Health Promotion Program on the Health Behaviors of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

Abstract

Breast cancer is a chronic condition that significantly threatens women's health. While radiotherapy is a standard treatment, complications during this process can cause delays and reduce its effectiveness, highlighting the need for preventive measures. This study aimed to assess the impact of a health promotion program on the health behaviors of breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The research utilized a quasi-experimental, single-group design with assessments conducted before and after the intervention. The sample consisted of breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy at Ubon Ratchathani Cancer Hospital. Using the mean comparison formula, the sample size was set at 35 participants, who were randomly selected through patient identification numbers. Over a 12-week period, six activities were implemented based on Pender’s Health Promotion Model. The research instruments included a health promotion program, a general information questionnaire, and surveys evaluating perceived benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and health behaviors. Instrument quality was assessed by three experts, and reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of .80, .89, .82, and .69, respectively. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. The data indicated that a majority of participants were in stage 3 of breast cancer (63%) and had previously undergone surgery (80%). Following the intervention, there was a significant increase in mean scores for perceived benefits of behavioral practice, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and health behaviors compared to pre-intervention scores at the .05 level (p < .05), with the most notable change observed in perceived barriers (t = 15.06).  The health promotion program effectively improved patients' health behaviors, playing a crucial role in preventing complications and ensuring the completion of treatment as planned. It is recommended that healthcare institutions implement this program, emphasizing  the enhancement of self-confidence, the provision of education, and the encouragement of family involvement to promote sustainable behavior change.