BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in China and patient self-management is poor. Minorities may suffer from psychological problems during treatments for NPC. This study aimed to implement an intervention to promote self-efficacy of minority patients (Zhuang tribe, Guangxi, China) with NPC to improve their quality of life (QOL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of 120 patients with NPC treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University (Guangxi, China), randomized to conventional care (n=60, controls) or conventional care plus self-efficacy interventions based on health education, behavior therapy, and psychological intervention (n=60, self-efficacy group). Self-efficacy was evaluated using the general self-efficacy scale, and QOL using the EORTC QLQ-C30. The questionnaires were completed at discharge, at 6 months, and at 1 and 2 years. The primary outcome was QOL.

RESULTS: There was no difference in QOL at baseline. From study start to hospital discharge, overall QOL scores decreased in both groups, but this decrease was more important in the control group (controls: –39.31 vs. self-efficacy: –27.04, P<0.05). After discharge, each functional field QOL scores and overall QOL increased with time in the 2 groups, and they were significantly higher in the self-efficacy group.

CONCLUSIONS: This intervention promoting self-efficacy could increase patients’ own potential and initiative, enhance their confidence and ability to solve health problems, improve their coping with adverse effects of treatments, and have positive effects on their QOL. Self-efficacy theory-based interventions could be worth popularization during the treatment and recovery of minority patients with NPC.

Keywords: Nasopharyngeal Diseases, Quality of Health Care, Self Efficacy