Self-care Training Program for Patients Suffering from Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, often leading to significant impairments in quality of life and daily functioning for patients. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a self-care training program for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used. Setting: The study was carried out in an outpatient clinic at Ain Shams University Hospital. Tools: Structured interview questionnaire; including three tools. The first tool: to assess socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, and MS-related health problems were collected through interviews. Second tool: Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life. Third tool: Self-care of chronic illness inventory tools. Results: Seventy-one adult MS patients participated in this study. Significant improvements were observed in self-care scores across the pre-, post-, and after-follow-up time points. The mean score increased from 18.4 ± 8.31 during the pre-program phase to 34.2 ± 8.33 following the program, and then to 30.1 ± 7.17 after the follow-up period. Self-care scores demonstrated a substantial increase in pre-, post-, and after-follow-up time points, indicating the effectiveness of the self-care training program. Conclusion: This study concluded that the implementation of self-care training programs had a positive effect on improving self-care practices and the quality of life of Multiple sclerosis patients. Recommendations: Designing a rehabilitation program for individuals affected by Multiple sclerosis to become self-reliant.