Recent reports indicate that higher quality treatments
reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with COPD. Involving patients in therapy and self-care are found to contribute to higher quality treatment. Self care behaviors can alleviate severe symptoms and
enhance clinical outcome and also reduce further
hospitalizations. Several factors can impact self-care
of patients including self-efficacy and the behavior
of an individual, in addition to the limitations
and advantages for using self-care activities. Self efficacy, considered a main principle of social cognitive theory, was initially introduced by Bandura and later attracted attention of various theorists of behavior change. Self-efficacy is defined as one’s belief in his/her capabilities to complete tasks and expect to reach goals. Self-efficacy is recognized as an important pre-requisite of behavior as it acts independently. It is believed by Bandura that one’s self-efficacy can be improved through paving the way for acquiring necessary knowledge and skill, and subsequently achieving success. Moreover, it should be noted that education plays a crucial role in enhancing the function of an individual.