Technology-Based Health Promotion Training Among Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Stroke is a disease with a heavy social and familial care burden that can cause permanent brain damage, long-term disability, and/or death. This study aimed to determine the effect of technology-based health promotion training on the daily life activities, quality of life, and self-care of stroke patients. Randomized controlled trial. It was carried out with the participation of patients who were diagnosed with stroke and were receiving inpatient treatment in the neurology clinic of a university hospital. The sample size was calculated as a total of 70 patients, 35 interventions and 35 controls. The intervention group patients received telephone-based education and follow-up grounded in Orem's Self-Care theory over a 12-week period subsequent to their discharge. The educational content delivered to patients was divided into three distinct categories: self-care needs with regard to health deviations, developmental self-care needs, and universal self-care practices. Data were collected using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living, Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale, and the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale. The Independent Sample T-Test was used for intergroup comparisons, and the Dependent Sample T-Test was used for intragroup pre-test and post-test comparisons. Independent variables affecting the post-test scores, such as age and gender, were analyzed using the multiple linear regression model. The scale sub-dimension variables were compared using the multivariate analysis of variance test according to the groups. When compared with the control group patients after the training, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in the intervention group patients' mean scores for the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (t = 11.136, p = .001) and the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale (t = 14.358, p = .000). Training interventions led to enhanced awareness and knowledge about stroke among the intervention group patients. They also fostered the development of healthier lifestyle behaviors and bolstered both self-care abilities and quality of life.