The effect of peer education on self-efficacy in people with heart failure

Aim. This study was performed with the aim of determining the effect of peer education on self-efficacy in people with heart failure.
Background. Heart failure is a clinical syndrome which may have negative effects on self-efficacy. Given the positive role of education in improving self-efficacy, probing a suitable educational method to improve the self-efficacy of these patients is important.
Method. In this clinical trial study, 60 people with heart failure were recruited and randomly allocated to experimental (n=30) and control group (n=30). After preparing the peer group, four peer to peer training sessions were conducted during one month. Persian translation the self-efficacy questionnaire was used for data collection, which was completed by both groups, before, just and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS, version 21 and P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.
Findings. No statistically significant difference was observed between groups in overall self-efficacy score before the intervention. The mean score of self-efficacy, immediately after the intervention was 50.3±7.21 and24.9 ±1.7, in the experimental and control group, respectively, and a statistically significant difference was seen between the mean scores of the groups (P≤0001). The mean score of self-efficacy, one month after the intervention was 48.8±1.2 and 23.4±4.6, in the experimental and control group, respectively and paired t-tests showed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the groups (P≤0001)
Conclusion. Based on this study, Peer education intervention can be a beneficial educative-supportive approach and enhance the self-efficacy life of heart failure patients. Therefore, using this method is recommended in patients with heart failure patients.