Effects of a Self-Efficacy Promotion Program for Stroke Caregivers

Abstract

The purposes of this one group quasi-experimental research was to investigate self-efficacy perception of caregivers caring for stroke patients before and after attending self-efficacy promotion program, and at the follow-up stage; and to compare the physical condition of stroke patients, focusing on pneumonia and bedsore. The self-efficacy promotion program based on Bandura’s theory was developed focusing on pneumonia and bedsore prevention. There were 10 caregivers of stroke patients who participated first time in this study. The experiment consisted of 2 stages. The first stage, of the program was delivered to the caregivers as home visits 4 times in 4 day, taking 1-2 hours at a time. The second stage started a week after the patients were discharged. The caregivers were approached through home visit on the first week by video calls once a week for 3 weeks; then home visit within 28 days afterward was performed for follow-up with in 28 day and the effects of the program were measured.  Data were analyzed by using Wilcoxon signed rank test. The incidences for pneumonia and bedsore were assessed by  using the Physical Examination Form.

The results revealed that the scores of caregivers ’ perception on self – efficacy after attending the program was higher than before attending the program. After attending the program and follow-up scores were higher than before significantly by.01. For the physical condition assessments of the stroke patients at those 3 times of measurements, they had no pneumonia symptom and bedsore. The study suggested that the program should be applied in the development plan to enhance self-care ability and efficacy of caregivers in caring for stroke patients.