Abstract:
The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the effects of empowerment program on caring behavior and perceived empowerment among caregivers of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Data was collected from 40 essential caregivers of patients who met the criteria in the chronic obstructive pulmonary clinic, out patient department, Chainat Province hospital from July to August 2004. The sample were randomized into experimental groups and control groups with 20 caregivers in each group. The experimental group received the empowerment program. The control group received routine services program. The instruments consisted of Screening instruments; daily activity assessment and perceived empowerment questionnaire, experimental instrument; empowerment program and handbook of COPD for caregivers, data collection tools; demographic data questionnaire and caring behavior questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, percentage, standard deviation, paired sample t-test, independent t-test, and ANCOVA.The results revealed that essential caregivers who participated in the empowerment program had significantly higher scores of the caring behavior and perceived empowerment than before the experiment and those from the group participating in the routine perceived program (p<.05)