Self Care Activities for Patients’ Post Lumbar Decompression Surgery

Background: Lumbar decompression surgery is a type of spinal surgery performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves in the lower back (lumbar region). This procedure is typically used to treat conditions like lumbar stenosis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or other conditions that cause narrowing of the spinal canal and impinge upon nerves. Aim: This study aimed to assess self-care activities for patients’ post lumbar decompression surgery. Research design: Descriptive exploratory design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting: The study was conducted at neurological unit affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals. Study subjects:A purposive sample of 60 patients post lumbar decompression surgery was recruited in this study.Tools: data were collected through three tools, 1) patient interviewing questionnaire. 2) Barthel Index Activities of Daily Living scale.3) Self-Care Assessment Results: 63.3% of the studied patients had independent level of daily living activities. 96.7% of the studied patients had poor level of total self-care aspects. Conclusion: Less than two thirds of the studied patients had independent level of daily living activities. And most of the studied patients had poor level of total self-care aspects Recommendations: Periodical follow up for patients with lumbar decompression surgery to enhance self care and daily activity.