Continuity of Care and Self-Management among Patients with Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

(1) Background: Stroke is an important topic in the healthcare industry. The objective of the present study was to investigate patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, health status, continuity of care, self-management, and other predictors that affect their self-management. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study was carried out from March to September 2020, and included a total of 150 patients aged 20 and above who were diagnosed within the past 6 months. The research participants were selected from the Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine/Department of Surgery, at a medical center in Central Taiwan. (3) Results: The mean self-management score of patients with stroke was 110.50 points (30–150 points). As shown in the stepwise regression analysis, the overall regression model explained approximately 44.5% of the variance in self-management. Educational level (10.8%), frequency of exercise per week (2.1%), time that patients were affected by stroke (2.4%), and continuity of care (29.2%) were the main predictors affecting the self-management of stroke patients. (4) Conclusions: To improve stroke patients’ self-management, medical teams should provide appropriate continuity of care to those with lower educational levels, those without exercise habits, and those who experienced a stroke within the past six months.

Individual and health care provider factors influencing stroke self-management behavior: A cross-sectional study

“…Nevertheless, no significant association was observed between gender and self-management behavior. The results of this study align with those of Kuo et al (2021) who indicated a lack of correlation between gender and the variables investigated in this study. The ability of both male and female patients to modify their self-management behavior is contingent upon their goals and self-efficacy.…”

Technology-Based Health Promotion Training Among Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The process of health empowerment helps patients to take an active role in managing their own health, increasing their sense of control over their lives, ensuring continuity of care, and improving their self-confidence (Sit et al, 2016). Health professionals’ roles in delivering appropriate care and ensuring its continuity is crucial for supporting self-management in stroke patients (Kuo et al, 2021; Si et al, 2021). Optimizing stroke patients’ capacity to manage their own condition is of paramount importance (Lo et al, 2016).…”