A Self-efficacy Enhancing Stroke Self-management Program for Community-dwelling Stroke Survivors

Previous systematic reviews showed that theory-based stroke self-management programs had potential benefits in improving stroke survivors' quality of life and self-efficacy. However there is a lack of evidence evaluating the effectiveness of a nurse-led theory-based stroke self-management program among community-dwelling Chinese stroke survivors.

This is a parallel group, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial to be held in a community center. All participants will be assessed at two time-points (baseline before randomization, and one month after program completion). Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to either the control group (receiving usual care) or the intervention group (receiving the self-efficacy enhancing stroke self-management program). Participants in the intervention group will receive an additional assessment on usefulness of the program immediately after program completion.

Inclusion criteria

• aged 18 years or above
• have a clinical diagnosis of stroke
• currently live at home or will be discharged from hospital to home within one week
• have a Mini Mental State Examination score >18
• speak Cantonese
• capable of giving informed consent
• can attend sessions of the self-efficacy enhancing stroke self-management program
• can use a phone

Exclusion criteria

• diagnosed with transient ischemic attack, subdural or epidural hemorrhage
• have cerebrovascular events due to presence of malignancy or head trauma
• have limited comprehension and receptive aphasia
• have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or dementia
• have received a stroke self-management program in the past 12 months as reported by the participants