Effects of a self-efficacy-centred self-management program on neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Study design: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Objective The present research aimed to investigate the effects of a self-efficacy-centred self-management program on persons with neurogenic bladder (NGB) after spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: The spinal surgery department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China. Methods Eighty-two individuals with NGB after SCI were randomized into the control or intervention group. The control group received standard admission and discharge education and follow-up. The intervention group received the self-efficacy-centred self-management programme. Self-efficacy was assessed at preintervention, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks postintervention. Self-management ability, the incidence of UTI, residual urine volume, bladder safety capacity and quality of life were assessed at 12 weeks postintervention. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS 26.0. Results Ultimately, 79 participants (control group: n = 39, 66.67% males, intervention group: n = 40, 57.50% males) received the full intervention. A significant difference was observed in self-efficacy between the control and intervention groups (2.54 ± SD 0.247 versus 2.71 ± SD 0.218, mean 95% CI: 0.174, 0.070 to 0.278, p < 0.05) at 12 weeks postintervention. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in self-management ability, the incidence of UTI, residual urine volume and bladder safety capacity between the groups at 12 weeks postintervention. There were significant differences in quality of life (vitality, mental health, p < 0.05) between the two groups. Conclusions The self-efficacy-centred self-management program developed in this study can significantly increase participants’ self-efficacy and bladder self-management ability, thereby improving their bladder functional status and quality of life.