พฤติกรรมการดูแลตนเองของผู้ที่มีภาวะหอบทางอารมณ์ที่มารับการรักษาในโรงพยาบาลชุมชนแห่งหนึ่งในภาคใต้

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to describe self-care behaviors of persons with hyperventilation syndrome. The participants comprised 58 persons with hyperventilation syndrome who had been treated more than one time at the emergency unit of a community hospital in southern Thailand. Research instruments consisted of 3 parts; 1) demographic data questionnaire; 2) a self-care behaviors of persons with hyperventilation syndrome questionnaire based on Orem's conceptual framework; and 3) a semi-structured interview of self-care behaviors. Validity of the instruments was examined by three experts. The reliability of instrument part 2 were tested by using the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient, yielding a value of .89. Quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data was analyzed Using content analysis. The results of quantitative data showed that participants with hyperventilation syndrome had an overall mean score on self-care behaviors at a high level (M-3.93, SD = 0.42). The category of self-care behaviors yielding the highest mean score was perception and interest in preventing the discomfort from side effects of the illness (M- 4.20, SD = 0.59), and the category with lowest mean score was seeking help from trusted persons (M-3.67, SD-0.54). The results of qualitative data revealed that there were three main issues, in the following categories 1. The perception and understanding of hyperventilation syndrome comprised 1) hyperseptation syndrome was a psychological condition and not a disease; 2) it was not life- threatening; 3) no medication to cure, only self-care, and 4) easy relaps if emotion is out of control. 2.The self-care behaviors of persons with hyperventilation syndrome consisted of two parts: 1) the direct management of hyperventilation symptom by placing a bag over the mouth and nose, slowly and deeply breathing in the bag, staying in the open, not crowded place, and doing self-massage; and 2) avoiding stimuli by taking a rest without disturbance from other people, and isolating oneself from other stimuli. 3. The prevention recerence of hyperventilation syndrome consisted of 2 parts: 1) emotional self-management including the methods of emotional self-control, relaxation, and avoiding stimuli; and 2) family participation and help, including counseling from family and the family as ventilation of feeling. The results of the perception and understanding of hyperventilation syndrome, self-care behaviors of persons with hyperventilation syndrome, and the prevention of recurrence of hyperventilation syndrome could be applied in nursing practice to enhance self-care behaviors of persons with hyperventilation syndrome.