The Effect of Empowerment Program on the Pain Control and Self-Efficacy in Patients Under Total Knee Arthroplasty in Iran

Abstract Background Knee osteoarthritis is associated with significant limitations in range of motion. Therefore, improvement of pain and self-efficacy indices are very important. This study aimed to examine the effects of an empowerment program on the improvement of self-efficacy and pain control in patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods A quasi-experimental design was used. Control group (n = 49) received routine care, whereas the intervention group (n = 49) received an empowerment program in addition to routine care, based on Linton’s cognitive-behavioral model and Bandura's self-efficacy theory. Before and after intervention, pain and self-efficacy were measured using the short form-McGill Pain Questionnaire and pain self-efficacy questionnaire respectively. Results A between group comparison demonstrated significant differences in pain subscales, including sensory-affective components (Mean Difference = 1.8, 95% CI= [-3.86 to -0.96], p = 0.015), PPI (0.62, [-0.18 to -1.04], 0.023), and VAS (1.57, [1.01 to -2.12], < 0.001), indicating superior outcomes in the intervention group. Notably, there was a substantial between-groups disparity in terms of pain self-efficacy (9.81, [0.71 to 1.24], < 0.001). After adjustment using ANCOVA, the results persisted. Conclusion Considering the effectiveness of the empowerment program used in this study as an interactive, applicable, and non-invasive approach, it can be used to increase pain management and self-efficacy of patients undergoing TKA treatment.