Effect of Health Empowerment on Activities of Daily Living among Patients with Ascites

Abstract

Background: Ascites, a common complication of chronic liver disease. Patients with cirrhotic ascites have specific physical and cognitive symptoms that can affect performance of their activities of daily living (ADLs). The purpose of the present study is to examine effect of health empowerment on activities of daily living among patients with ascites. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at National Liver Institute, in Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia University. Sample: A convenient sample of 80 adult patients with ascites as a result of liver cirrhosis; 40 patients in study group and the other 40 in control group. Three instruments were used in data collection; 1) A Structured Interviewing Questionnaire, 2) Modified Barthel Index (MBI), 3) The Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II). Results: The result revealed post health empowerment, sever dependance level was highly significantly decreased to 0.0% among study group versus 52% among control group, and the mean for the total HPLP-II was 101.8±22.8 increased 47 points to 148.6±11.7 to 143.5±14.9 (P= < 0.001). Conclusion: the critical role of patient empowerment in improving activities of daily living among patients with cirrhotic ascites. Recommendation: Encourage patients to engage in health-promoting activities such as maintaining a low-salt diet, managing their medications effectively, and being physically active. Support from healthcare professionals is crucial in helping patients integrate these activities into their daily lives.