Exploring Patients’ Experiences of Self-Management After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the experiences and needs related to self-management behaviors among patients following percutaneous nephrolithotomy, based on the Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Fifteen patients treated in the urology department of a tertiary hospital in Baise City, Guangxi, China, from September to December 2024 underwent semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using Nvivo 12.0 software. Results: Three themes and nine subthemes were identified: insufficient knowledge and beliefs (lack of disease knowledge, cognitive biases, negative health beliefs); poor self-regulation abilities (insufficient symptom management skills, poor health behavior adherence, external environmental influences); and a desire for social support (including the need for family support, expectations for professional and individualized guidance from healthcare providers, and mutual influence among peers). Conclusion: Knowledge and beliefs, self-regulation skills and capabilities, and social support are interconnected factors influencing patients’ implementation of effective self-management behaviors. Meeting patients’ informational needs and social support requirements while fostering supportive environments can promote sustained healthy behaviors.