Objective:To observe the application effect of health education based on health action process approach (HAPA) theory in perioperative patients undergoing knee arthroplasty.Methods:Using the convenient sampling method, a total of 168 patients who underwent knee arthroplasty in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from March 2020 to May 2021 were selected, and they were randomly divided into the observation group (85 cases) and the control group (83 cases). The control group received routine care, while the observation group received health education based on HAPA theory on the basis of the control group. The scores of Self-efficacy for Rehabilitation Outcome Scale (SER) and Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30), postoperative recovery indicators and complications, patient compliance and patient satisfaction before and after intervention were compared between the two groups.Results:After intervention, scores of SER, QLQ-C30, compliance and satisfaction in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The first time of getting out of bed, the time of knee flexion greater than or equal to 90°and the length of hospital stay in the observation group was shorter than those in the control group, and the total incidence of complications was lower than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Health education based on HAPA theory can effectively improve the self-efficacy, compliance and quality of life of patients undergoing knee arthroplasty, reduce the risk of complications, promote postoperative recovery and obtain satisfaction of patients.