A Qualitative Study on Influencing Factors of Swallowing Training Behavior in Patients after Oral Cancer Surgery

QIU Jie; OU Meijun; CHEN Hong; WANG Xiaohui; ZHOU Jiajing; HU Xiang; CONG Li

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Journal of Hunan Normal University(Medical Science) ›› 2026, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (3) : 193-198.

Nursing Science

A Qualitative Study on Influencing Factors of Swallowing Training Behavior in Patients after Oral Cancer Surgery

QIU Jie^1,2, OU Meijun², CHEN Hong², WANG Xiaohui¹, ZHOU Jiajing¹, HU Xiang¹, CONG Li¹

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Abstract

Objective To explore the swallowing rehabilitation training behavior experience of patients after oral cancer surgery, and to provide a reference basis for formulating scientific and effective swallowing rehabilitation training intervention strategies. Methods This study adopted a descriptive qualitative research design. An interview guide was developed based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) theoretical model. Using purposive sampling, 16 patients who underwent oral cancer surgery between November 2024 and January 2025 at a Grade A tertiary cancer hospital in Hunan Province were recruited for semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis. Results A total of 3 themes and 10 sub-themes were extracted: Information deficiency and acquisition difficulties (insufficient understanding of swallowing rehabilitation concepts, obstacles in information discrimination and comprehension), The assistance and test of internal and external motivation (driving force oriented towards health goals, perceived benefits enhancing training compliance, shame leading to rehabilitation withdrawal, postoperative discomfort hindering rehabilitation progress, the double-edged sword effect of social support), and the need for behavioral skills optimization (differences in self-efficacy, demand for professional guidance and support, application of self-management strategies). Conclusion The swallowing rehabilitation behavior of patients after oral cancer surgery is influenced by multiple factors. Interventions should be based on individualized patient needs, leveraging modern internet platform resources to bridge cognitive gaps, stimulate internal rehabilitation motivation, and strengthen diversified external social support. The swallowing rehabilitation training teaching model should be optimized to enhance self-efficacy and self-management abilities, thereby promoting patient swallowing rehabilitation.

Key words

oral cancer / swallowing rehabilitation / influencing factors / qualitative research

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QIU Jie, OU Meijun, CHEN Hong, WANG Xiaohui, ZHOU Jiajing, HU Xiang, CONG Li. A Qualitative Study on Influencing Factors of Swallowing Training Behavior in Patients after Oral Cancer Surgery[J]. Journal of Hunan Normal University(Medical Science). 2026, 23(3): 193-198

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