The Effects of a Self-Care Program on Promoting Self-Care Behaviors in Patients with Psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with frequent recurrence. The associated complications cause disturbance in patients' quality of life. In addition to treatment procedures, use of self-care behaviors can be considered a cost-effective and applicable method in improving the patients' symptoms. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a self-care program in promoting self-care behaviors of patients with psoriasis. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a self-care program in promoting self-care behaviors among patients with psoriasis. Methods: This quasi experimental, before-after study was carried out on 32 patients. The educational program was implemented face-to-face and in groups (in areas such as medicine, bathing, and clothing). The samples were examined once every 2 weeks for 3 months. Two questionnaires and 1 self-report checklist with a correlation coefficient of 92.5% were used in this study. The validity of the questionnaires was determined using content validity. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS. Results: The patients' demographics were as follows: mean age, 42.37%; males, 16 (55.2%) and females, 13 (44.8%); married, 21 (72.4%), single, 6 (20.7%), and widowed, 2 (6.9%); secondary school education, 13 (44.8%); average disease period, 9.03%; most self-employed and housewives (9, 31%); history of disease, 7 (24.1%); and physician-diagnosed disease, 29 (100%). The results showed that the mean medication adherence rate increased from 7% to 9.72% after the intervention, and comparison of self-care behaviors before and after the intervention showed that the frequency of most behaviors significantly increased. Conclusions:The results showed that training could improve self-care behaviors. Use of simple, low-cost, and available programs for self-care behaviors is effective in reducing the patients' symptoms and improving their conditions.

Effect of Individualized Guidance on Knowledge and Self-Care Practices of Psoriasis Patients

“…Additionally, agreed with Omar and Ramadan (37) who found that most studied patients had a poor level of self-care practices pre-intervention phase. This results in the same line with Karimipour et al (2) in a study entitled "The E ects of a These results were supported by Nagarajan and Thappa (38) who mentioned that the mean score in the experimental group was significantly decreased from 15.6 (±6.9) at baseline to 9.9 (±5.1) after intervention with a significant decrease in the mean disability score related to daily activities, studying/ working, personal relations, leisure time activities and treatment (pvalue < 0.001) after the intervention. In the same context Leino et al (42) in a study of "Influence of Psoriasis on Household Chores and Time Spent on Skin Care at Home" reported the greatest impact of psoriasis on activities of daily living, especially affecting clothing choice, bathing routine, and sporting activities.…”

“…Psoriasis is associated with physical symptoms including red, scaly, itchy, and painful skin lesions, joint pain and many patients experience adverse psychological effects, including poor body image, stress, embarrassment, and depression (2) . Psoriasis can grow anywhere, but most appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.…”