Willingness to involve in self-healthcare affects the recovery of hospitalized pneumonia patients.

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common infection of the lower respiratory tract. Engaging patients to enhance their willingness to involve in their healthcare process is the beginning of their recovery, leading to improved health outcomes and a better patient experience. The aim of this study was to observe the impact on hospitalized patients with CAP according to their willingness to participate in self-healthcare. <bold>Methods:</bold> A cross-sectional study was conducted. The participants included were evaluated at discharge. Dyspnea, cough, pain, fatigue, functional impairment, physical activity, and psychological flexibility were measured. The sample was divided into two groups based on the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) activation score: those who did not believe activation was important (PAM≤47.0) and those who believed activation was important and took action (PAM>47.0) <bold>Results:</bold> A total of 66 CAP patients were included, with 32 allocated to the willingness-to-involve group and 34 to the unwillingness-to-involve group. CAP patients who were unwilling to involve showed significantly higher levels of dyspnea, cough, and fatigue (p<0.05). Additionally, there were significant differences in psychological flexibility and functional impairment, with improved results observed in patients willing to involve group. The length of hospital stay was significantly lower in patients willing to involve themselves in self-care (p<0.05) <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Hospitalized CAP patients who were willing to engage in self-care showed better clinical outcomes at discharge, with an important decrease in the length of hospital stay.