Effect of an educational program based on Pender's health promotion model on the lifestyle of patients with cancer: A quasi-experimental study

Cancer complications, as a chronic and debilitating disease, can have various physical and psychological impacts on patients and consequently affect their lifestyle and quality of life. Health promotion-based educational approaches can play a crucial role in improving patients' well-being. The present study aims to determine the effects of education based on Pender's Health Promotion Model on lifestyle in cancer patients. This quasi-experimental study involved 78 cancer patients selected through convenience sampling in 2023 and then randomly allocated to intervention and control groups using block randomization. All participants in both groups completed demographic information forms and the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile Questionnaire to assess demographic characteristics and lifestyle before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using independent and paired t-tests, and non-parametric tests including the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests. After the intervention, the comparison of the scores for self-actualization (P<0.001), responsibility (P<0.001), interpersonal support (P<0.001), stress management (P<0.001), exercise (P<0.001), nutrition (P<0.001), and the overall lifestyle score (P<0.001) between the intervention and control groups revealed that at the end of the study, the scores for all these concepts were significantly different between the two groups. Overall, the mean overall lifestyle score in the intervention group (148.97 [SD=20.99]) was significantly higher than in the control group (104.21 [SD=13.95]). Education based on the Pender Health Promotion Model has a significant impact on improving the lifestyle of cancer patients. It can complement medical treatments to enhance the physical and psychological conditions and overall quality of life of these patients.