The Relationship of Autonomy, Self-Efficacy, and Social Support with Rehabilitation Motivation in Patients with Acute Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: This study investigated the relationships of autonomy, self-efficacy, and social support with rehabilitation motivation in patients who had undergone acute stroke management. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted at a tertiary university hospital in Suwon, South Korea. Data were collected from June 1, 2023, to June 1, 2024, using structured self-reported questionnaires administered to patients scheduled for discharge after their first-ever acute stroke management. A total of 231 patients diagnosed with stroke participated in the study. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of rehabilitation motivation. Results: Positive bivariate relationships were observed between autonomy (r=.26, p<.001), self-efficacy (r=.26, p<.001), social support from family (r=.22, p<.001), social support from medical teams (r=.26, p<.001), and rehabilitation motivation. In the hierarchical multiple regression analyses, patients with paralysis (β=−.21, p=.001), higher autonomy (β=.19, p=.003), and higher social support from the medical team (β=.22, p<.001) demonstrated higher rehabilitation motivation. Conclusion: Based on these findings, nursing interventions and educational strategies that enhance patient autonomy and strengthen support from medical teams should be developed and implemented to improve rehabilitation motivation, engagement, and health outcomes in acute stroke care.