The effect of a web-based self-care education programme on the health-promoting behaviours of patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial

Background: Web-based self-care education can improve health outcomes in patients with chronic conditions. Aims: This study aimed to examine the impact of a web-based self-care programme based on Orem’s model on the health-promoting behaviours of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: The study included 91 MS patients, randomly assigned to control ( n = 46) and experimental ( n = 45) groups using block randomisation. The control group received standard care, whereas the experimental group participated in a web-based self-care education programme. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, educational needs checks and Walker’s Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile, then analysed using SPSS-26 with statistical tests ( p < 0.05). Results: Before the programme, the average health-promoting behaviours score in the two groups did not differ significantly ( p > 0.05). After the programme, the experimental group’s health-promoting behaviours score increased from 109.97 ± 13.78 to 119.97 ± 13.44, whereas the control group showed almost no change (110.83 ± 13.25 to 111.72 ± 13.05). Post-programme scores were significantly higher in the experimental group compared with the control group ( p = 0.002). Conclusions: The web-based self-care education programme positively affects the health-promoting behaviours of patients with MS. It is recommended as an effective approach to improve health-promoting behaviours in patients with chronic conditions.