Relationship Between Demographic Characteristics and Application of Instructional Program Concerning Self-Management Strategies of Patients with Epilepsy

Objective(s): The current study aims to determine the influence of demographic characteristics of patients with epilepsy on the application of instruction program for self-management strategies. Methodology: The study utilized a quasi-experimental (non-randomized) design at Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf City, within the Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Health Directorate, specifically at The Middle Euphrates Neurosciences Center, from August 13, 2023, to November 13, 2023. The purposive sample comprised 87 patients, divided into two groups: the study group, consisting of 44 patients exposed to the instructional program, and the control group, consisting of 43 patients not exposed to the program. The research tools included a demographic questionnaire and an Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (ESMS) from Dr. Colleen Dilorio, which includes 38 questions measuring 5 subscales related to epilepsy self-management for people with epilepsy. Statistical calculations were performed using SPSS software version 22. Results: The study results showed no statistically significant differences between demographic characteristics and the application of instruction program for self-management strategies (P>0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences between the patient's marital status and application of instruction program for safety and information self-management strategies, with a small size effect. Conclusions: The study concluded that there are no statistically significant differences between demographic characteristics and the application of instruction program for self-management strategies overall. Recommendations: The study recommended that the Ministry of Health implement a self-management program for patients with epilepsy.