Preventive Care in Nursing and Midwifery

en Empowering a Patient with COPD to Change Smoking Behavior: A Case Study Based on Barrett's Theory of Power as Knowing Participation in Change Nursing case report <div style="text-align: justify;">Background: Effective COPD management requires sustained behavioral change, particularly smoking cessation, which remains challenging despite standard counseling. Barrett’s Theory of Power as Knowing Participation in Change emphasizes awareness, participation, and autonomy, potentially facilitating smoking behavior change. Objectives: This case study examined changes in smoking behavior and empowerment following a Barrett Theory‑based nursing intervention in a COPD patient with previous unsuccessful quit attempts. Methods: A six‑month theory‑based intervention was delivered to a 55-year-old man with moderate COPD (GOLD stage II) in northern Iran. It included individualized education, collaborative smoking reduction planning, anxiety management, breathing exercises, and weekly follow‑ups. Outcomes were daily cigarette use, dyspnea (0–10 Numeric Rating Scale), and FEV₁ spirometry. Results: After six months, daily smoking dropped from 20 to 10 cigarettes (50% reduction), and dyspnea improved from 9/10 (severe) to 5/10 (moderate). FEV₁ stabilized at 60% of predicted value. The patient engaged actively in follow‑ups, self-monitored his smoking, and reported greater self‑management confidence. In month three, he temporarily increased smoking after a stressful event but, with ongoing support, resumed his reduction plan, consistent with Barrett’s helicy principle. Conclusion: This case suggests that Barrett’s empowerment framework may support smoking reduction and enhance engagement in COPD care. The helicy principle helps reframe relapse as part of a nonlinear process, maintaining motivation. Further research with larger samples and longer follow‑up is needed.  </div> Barrett's Theory, COPD, Smoking Cessation, Patient Empowerment, Nursing Care. 30 36 http://nmcjournal.zums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-1080-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Fatemeh Ranjbar Noei f.rnjbr.n@gmail.com 0000-0002-2098-8234 No Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran Khadijeh Yazdi yazdi@goums.ac.ir 0000-0002-4311-1419 Yes Nursing Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran