The Impact of Self-care Education Based on Orem's Model on Self-care Behaviors of Patients with β-Thalassemia Major: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia negatively affects key aspects of life and self-care behaviors. It is essential to promote self-care behaviors in patients with thalassemia in order to improve their functions and mitigate adverse effects. Objectives: In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of self-care education on self-care behaviors of patients with major β-thalassemia based on Orem’s model. Methods: This clinical trial investigated 60 patients with major β-thalassemia who had been admitted to Razi Hospital in Saravan, southeast of Iran, in 2017. The subjects were selected and randomly allocated to the control and experimental groups. A demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made self-care scale were used to gather data. The experimental group received individual- and group-training for 5 sessions of 30 to 45 minutes, while the control group was presented with routine instructions. After one month, the questionnaires were completed again and the data were analyzed in SPSS 23 using chi-square test and independent t-test. Results: The results of this study showed that administering the self-care program enhanced three aspects of self-care, including mental health, physical activities, and therapeutic measures in patients with major β-thalassemia, but no improvement was observed in terms of nutrition after the intervention (P = 0.28). Conclusions: It is promising to undertake self-care interventions to improve self-care behaviors of patients with major β-thalassemia.