Effects of a Supportive and Educational Program on Knowledge and Self-Care Behaviors for Preventing Infection in Patients with Corneal Ulcers, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Ward, Udon Thani Hospital.

Abstract

      This study aimed to examine the effects of a supportive and educational program on knowledge and self-care behaviors for infection prevention among patients with corneal ulcers at the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Ward, Udon Thani Hospital, Thailand. This quasi-experimental study employed a one-group pretest–posttest design. The participants were 43 patients aged 20–65 years with corneal ulcers who were admitted to the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Ward at Udon Thani Hospital. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. The study was conducted from July 17 to September 30, 2026. The intervention consisted of four sessions. Research instruments included the supportive and educational program, educational materials, a lesson plan, presentation slides, a personal and health information questionnaire, and assessment tools for knowledge, self-care behaviors, satisfaction, and infection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the Dependent paired t-test.

      Results: After receiving the program, participants’ mean knowledge scores increased from 9.65 (SD = 1.51) to 13.58 (SD = 1.10), with a statistically significant difference (Z = −5.64, p < 0.001). Mean self-care behavior scores increased from 46.23 (SD = 5.45) to 65.14 (SD = 7.06), also showing a statistically significant difference (t = −22.82, p < 0.001). Overall satisfaction with the program was at the highest level (mean = 3.65, SD = 0.35). No corneal infections were identified according to the specified assessment criteria.