[The development and effects of a self-management program for patients with Parkinson's disease].
OBJECTIVE
This study was done to develop and examine the effects of a self-management program (SMP) on physical, psychological functions, and symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease(PD).


METHODS
In a two-group pre-and post-test design, a total of 40 patients were assigned to the experimental group(21) or the control group (19). The experimental group received eight weekly 2-hour sessions for 10-15 literate adults of all ages, while the control group did not receive any intervention.


RESULTS
The experimental group showed significant improvements in muscle strength, balance, self-efficacy, depression, quality of life(QL), quality of sleep, and discomfort of constipation. It also reduced the number of participants using assistive walking devices. There were no significant changes in fear of falling and duration of sleep.


CONCLUSIONS
The eight week SMP in patients with PD was found to be significantly effective in enhancing muscle strength, balance, self-efficacy, QL, and quality of sleep. It also decreased depression, discomfort of constipation, and assistive walking devices. These results suggest that a SMP can have effects on physical, psychological functions and symptoms in patients with PD. Further research with a larger sample and for a longer follow up period is needed to expand our understanding of the effects of a SMP for patients with PD.
Sohng
Kyeong-Yae
KY
College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, Socho-gu, Seoul, Korea. sky@catholic.ac.kr
Moon
Jung-Soon
JS
Lee
Kwang-Soo
KS
Choi
Dong-Won
DW
D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016138:Walking