Evaluation of a Self-Management Program for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in China

Gastroenterol Nurs. 2016 Sep-Oct;39(5):385-96. doi: 10.1097/SGA.0000000000000245.

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disease with a high incidence worldwide. The various symptoms have substantial impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. A long-term self-management program can increase the ability of patients to make behavioral changes, and health outcomes can improve as a consequence. This study's aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-management program for gastroesophageal reflux disease. A total of 115 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease were allocated to the experimental group and the control group. The former received self-management intervention along with conventional drug therapy, whereas the latter received standard outpatient care and conventional drug therapy. After the clinical trial, the control group also received the same self-management intervention. The levels of self-management behaviors, self-efficacy, gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, and psychological condition were compared. Those in the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher self-efficacy for managing their illness, showed positive changes in self-management behaviors, and had comparatively better remission of symptoms and improvement in psychological distress. The program helped patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease self-manage their illness as possible.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Case-Control Studies
  • China
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / diagnosis*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / ethnology
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Education as Topic / organization & administration*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Quality of Life*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Self Care / methods*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Factors