Effects of a Goal-Oriented Intervention on Self-Management Behaviors and Self-Perceived Burden After Acute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Main Authors: Yu Chen, Yuanyuan Wei, Hongjuan Lang, Ting Xiao, Yan Hua, Lu Li, Jing Wang, Hongxia Guo, Chunping Ni
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2021-07-01
• Series: Frontiers in Neurology
• Subjects: stroke; goal-oriented intervention; self-management behavior; self-perceived burden; randomized controlled trial
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.650138/full

Background: Stroke generates significant health and social burdens. Self-management has potential importance for supporting individuals in coping and continuing to progress after stroke. However, there is a lack of targeted programs to enhance self-management and reduce self-perceived burden (SPB) following stroke.Purpose: To evaluate the effects of a goal-oriented intervention on self-management behaviors and SPB among patients after acute stroke.Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial with a 4-weeks intervention. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 48) or control group (n = 48). The intervention and control groups received eight sessions of goal-oriented self-management intervention based on Pender's health promotion model and control care, respectively. Self-management behaviors and SPB were evaluated and compared between the two groups.Results: After the 1-month follow-up, there were significant differences in the total self-management behaviors score and the scores of six of the self-management dimensions, excluding diet management, between the intervention group and the control group (t = −7.891– −2.815; p ≤ 0.006). Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in the physical burden, emotional burden, and total SPB scores (t = 2.102–2.071; p = 0.015–0.041). The economic burden score was not significantly different between the two groups (t = 1.707; p = 0.091).Conclusion: The goal-oriented intervention based on Pender's health promotion model can effectively improve self-management behaviors and reduce physical and emotional SPB among stroke survivors.