Application of the health belief model for liver transplant follow up: a prospective randomly controlled trial / 中华健康管理学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects of a newly developed health belief model (HBM)on the survival of liver transplant recipients. Methods The most important health concerns and follow-up service expectations were learned from out-patients who received long-term liver transplant follow up, and a new HBM for liver transplant was developed. The impact of the HBM on survival was evaluated in this prospective randomly controlled trial. Results In 374 liver transplant recipients who completed the questionnaire, the most common health concerns were the implication of follow-up service and optimal medications ,etc. Moreover,liver transplant club and improved role and function of health-care providers were expressed by the participants to enhance interactions with the medical staff. After 2 years' follow up, the incidence of abnormal liver function ( 16. 8% vs 21.2% ), infection ( 3.2% vs 10. 3% ) and disease recurrence (2. 6% vs 9. 8% ) were significantly decreased in the study group (n = 190) when compared with the control group ( n = 184) ( all P ＜ O. 05 ). Conclusion Adverse health events could be reduced following the application of HBM for liver transplantation.