Coping Strategies for Patients with Pleural Effusion

Document Type : Scientific peer reviewed journal

Authors

1 Nursing Specialist in El-Mahalla Chest Hospital

2 Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University

3 Assistant Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University

Abstract

Background: Coping strategies are essential for patients with pleural effusion which improve performance of daily living activity, decrease pain and improve breathing. Aim of the study: Was to assess coping strategies for patients with pleural effusion. Research design: Descriptive design study was used for this study. Setting: The study was conducted at Chest Outpatient Clinic in Benha University. Sample: A convenience sample was used in this study includes 267 patients. Tools: Two tools were used; I: A structured interviewing questionnaire which consists of four parts. Part I: Socio-demographic characteristics of the studied patients. Part II: Medical history of the studied patients with pleural effusion. Part III: Knowledge of the studied patients about pleural effusion. Part IV: Reported practices with pleural effusion patients. Tool II: Coping strategies questionnaire. Result: 33.3% of the studied patients aged from 40 to less than 50 years old, 63.3% of the studied patients had pleural effusion caused by chest diseases, 84.3% of them diagnosed by doctor, X-rays and analysis performed, 15.7% of the studied patients had correct and complete knowledge regarding meaning of pleural effusion, 50.9% of the studied patients had sometimes adapting that focus on the problem regarding pleural effusion and 52.4% of the studied patients had sometimes total psychological problems level regarding active adaption. Conclusion: There were statistically significant relation between total coping strategies level of studied patient and all items of socio demographic. More than half of studied patients had average total knowledge level regarding pleural effusion, more than third of the studied patients had poor total knowledge level and minority of the studied patients had good total knowledge level regarding pleural effusion. Recommendations: Develop health educational and training programs to improve patients knowledge, practices and coping strategies. Develop rehabilitation program for pleural effusion patient to stay active and restore optimal level of function.

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