FACTORS RELATED TO SELF-MANAGEMENT BEHAVIORS AMONG ADULTS WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE IN WENZHOU, CHINA

Abstract

In China, adults with ischemic stroke are becoming younger. Moreover, after a stroke, they pay insufficient attention to self-management, which seriously affects the rehabilitation process and treatment outcome. This study aimed to describe self-management behaviors and determine the relationship between stroke prevention knowledge, life stress, family relationships, and self-management behavior among adults with ischemic stroke. 125 participants were recruited by defining a collection data period and selected samples following inclusion criteria. Research instruments included the demographic questionnaire, the Stroke Self-management Behavior Scale for Young Adults, the Stroke Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Brief Family Relationship Scale. The internal consistency reliability of these instruments was .86, .90, .82, and .85, respectively.

The results of this study showed that the mean score of self-management behaviors was 88.1 out of 130 (SD=16.5). stroke prevention knowledge and family relationships had a moderate positive significant relationship with self-management behaviors (r =.39, r =.34, p < .001 respectively). Life stress had negative significant relationship with self-management behaviors (r = -.33, p < .001).

The findings of the study provided a reference for nurses to formulate nursing intervention to promote self-management behaviors for adults with stroke. Besides, from the hospital to the community by providing holistic nursing focus on educated them about stroke prevention knowledge, encourage family support, and stress management to improve self-management ability of adults with stroke.

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