Effect of self-management education using pictogram-based content of health information on outcomes in Korean patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of pictogram-based self-management education on the symptom experience, self-efficacy, self-management adherence, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsSixty COPD patients were enrolled from a pulmonology clinic at C hospital in southwestern Korea and subsequently randomized into two groups. ResultsA significant improvement in self-efficacy scores was noted (t = −2.16, p = .035) in the intervention group compared to the control group. No significant differences were observed in symptom experience (t = 0.48, p = .637), self-management adherence (t = −0.33, p = .742), and HRQoL (t = −0.52, p = .608). ConclusionOur findings suggest that the utilization of pictogram-based content in self-management education can be an effective tool for enhancing self-efficacy among COPD patients. Further research is required to evaluate the long-term effects on a broader sample size.