2.4. Sample Size
CHRONIC DISEASE
The sample size was calculated using power analysis based on four components: the level of significance or alpha (α), sample size, population effect size (ES), and power (1-β) [Given the inherent characteristics of individuals with advanced chronic disease, and the expected missing data and high attrition of the study, all subjects who met the initial selection and agreed to participate in the study were included in the randomization process.