Effect of Family-Centered Empowerment Model on the Quality of Life in Chemical Warfare Veterans: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

The complications of chemical agents not only affect health-related quality of life in chemical warfare victims but also has a negative impact on their families. Considering the role of family participation in care, empowerment programs for patients and their families is very important. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a family-centered empowerment model on the quality of life of chemical warfare veterans. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in Tehran, Iran during 2013‒2014. Eighty veterans were selected based on inclusion criteria and then randomized into an interventional and a control group. The empowerment program was implemented for 3 months with 4 dimensions (perceived threat, self-efficacy, educational participation, and evaluation) for the intervention group. The data collection tool was a demographic information questionnaire and a specific questionnaire on the quality of life of chemical injuries. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 16, and descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. Based on the results, no significant differences with regards to demographic factors were observed between two groups before the intervention (P>0.05). The mean and standard deviation of the three dimensions of physical, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of quality of life in the interventional group and the control group were not significant before intervention (p <0.05). Three months after the intervention, the mean and standard deviation in the physical (interventional group: 37.91±10.32; control group: 30.44±9.79), psychosocial (interventional group: 38.31±9.99; control group: 31.61±10.78) and spiritual (interventional group: 85.45±11.55; control group: 80.76±13.01) dimensions were, significantly different between the two groups (p <0.05). Considering the low cost, safety and effectiveness of family- centered empowerment programs and the role of the family in health promotion, the veterans training program is recommended to nurses and caregivers in order to improve quality of life for all.