Effect of Education Based on the Pender Health Promotion Model on Oral Health Behavior of Cancer Patients:A Semi-Experimental Study

Oral diseases are the most common health problems in cancer patients, influencing their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of education on oral and dental health behaviour based on the Pender health promotion model in cancer patients..

This semi-experimental study was conducted in 40 adult cancer patients attending Notovan Physiotherapy and Lymphedema Center in Mashhad, Iran, 2019. The samples were selected by systematic random sampling. The educational intervention based on the Pender health promotion model was delivered in six theoretical and practical training sessions, with a one-week interval between the sessions. Data were collected using a standard questionnaire based on the components of the Pender health promotion model that was completed before the intervention, immediately, and two months after the intervention. Data analysis was done in SPSS V22, applying descriptive tests and repeated measures ANOVA.

Findings showed significant differences in the score for behaviour before the intervention (25.82±4.57), after the intervention (32.41±4.24), and two months later (29.79±3.72) (P<0.001). In addition, after the intervention, among different components of the Pender health promotion model, self-efficacy, positive emotions, and interpersonal influencing factors increased significantly (P<0.001). At the same time, perceived barriers decreased significantly (P<0.001).

The current study supports the positive effect of the Pender health promotion model in enhancing oral and dental health behaviour in adult patients with cancer.