Health Belief Model Nursing for Moderate to Severe OSAHS Post-Surgery

A total of 120 post-surgery patients with moderate to severe OSAHS were recruited and assigned to either a control group (n=60) receiving routine postoperative care or an observation group (n=60) receiving a health belief model-based nursing intervention in addition to routine care. Routine care included general postoperative education for OSAHS, dietary, and exercise guidance with monthly phone follow-ups. The HBM intervention, lasting one year, focused on perceived susceptibility (assessment, psychological intervention), perceived severity (education on risks), perceived benefits (weight/BP monitoring, dietary/exercise guidance, sleep posture aids, daily diary), and perceived barriers (frequent phone follow-ups, psychological support). Outcomes were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months post-surgery, including polysomnography, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), self-management ability questionnaires, quality of life questionnaires, OSAHS recurrence, and patient satisfaction surveys.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged between 30 and 50 years old;
• Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) > 21 events per hour;
• Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 28 kg/m²;
• The obstructive plane of OSAHS was either at the soft palate level or associated with narrowing at the tongue base level;
• Surgical treatments included uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or UPPP combined with low-temperature plasma ablation of the tongue base/tongue body;
• The patient had undergone surgical treatment for OSAHS;
• The patient could comprehend the research details and voluntarily signed an informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

• Severe cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or dysfunction of other major organs;
• Severe mental illness or cognitive dysfunction that would hinder understanding or adherence to research procedures;
• Presence of other sleep disorders, such as central sleep apnea or insomnia;
• Use of medications that could interfere with sleep patterns;
• Pregnancy or lactation;
• Patients unwilling to provide informed consent for the study.