Status of self-management in 526 pneumoconiosis patients in Shandong Province

Objective To understand the current situation and influencing factors of self-management level of pneumoconiosis patients.

Methods A total of 526 patients with pneumoconiosis diagnosed in 6 hospitals for occupational disease prevention and control distributed in 5 regions of Shandong Province, were surveyed by convenience sampling method. The self-management level was investigated with the Self-Management Scale, and the patients were divided into 3 groups (namely, lower, medium and higher)by using the critical percentile value of the self-management scale (27%)according to the critical ratio method. The comprehensive statistical methods, such as regression analysis, were used to analyze risk factors affecting patients'self-management level.

Results Among 526 patients, self-management scores varied from 55 to 198 with an average score of (142.81 ±23.06). The lowest score in higher group was 157, while the highest score was 129 in lower group. Compared with males, females had a higher score and no persons were in the lower group (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that rural household registration (OR=2.511, P < 0.01), being neglected by family members (OR=2.120, P < 0.01), lack of social attention (OR=2.143, P < 0.01), smoking (OR=1.975, P < 0.05) were risk factors affecting patients'self-management status.

Conclusion The self-management status of these pneumoconiosis patients was relative lower. We should take into account the affecting factors, such as gender, household registration, smoking and social attention, to improve the self-management of pneumoconiosis patients.