Effect of Health Education Program on Self-Efficacy of Family Caregivers for Lung Cancer Patients

Background: Globally, cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and death. Lung cancer patients have more co morbidities, poor quality of life, more unmet supportive care needs, and worse survival outcomes. Therefore, the empowerment of knowledge and self-efficacy of family caregivers may be the most realistic approach for meaningful care. Aim of this study: To evaluate the effect of health education program on self-efficacy of family caregivers for lung cancer patients. Research design: A quasi-experimental study design. Setting: This study was conducted in Oncology Outpatient Department at El Mogamaa El Tebe Hospitals that affiliated to the Health Insurance Organization, Tanta City Algharbia Governorate Subjects: Purposive sample of 60 family caregivers who attend the previous mentioned setting. Tools: three tools were used. (Tool І): Structured interview schedule that consisted of three parts. Part І: Bio-socio demographic characteristics of lung cancer patient. Part ІІ: Sociodemographic characteristics of studied family caregiver. Part ІІІ: Family caregivers’ knowledge about lung cancer diseases. (Tool ІІ): Family caregivers’ pain management schedule. (Tool ІІІ): A family caregiver’s general self-efficacy scale. Results: There was statistical significant improvement of family caregivers ’ total knowledge pre, immediate post and post intervention. A statistically significant positive connection was found between overall knowledge and experience of pain management for lung cancer and total self-efficacy score. Conclusion: The health education program about lung cancer disease was effective in improving the self-efficacy of family caregivers of lung cancer patients and enhancing their knowledge and experience regarding pain management during their home management. Recommendation: ongoing educational sessions should be conducted to increase caregivers’ awareness and confidence regarding proper care, symptom management, and emotional support for lung cancer patients.