The Effect of a Training Program Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior on the Self Care of Patients with Cerebrovascular Accident: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Cerebrovascular accident dramatically impacts patients’ lives. However, this chronic disease could be managed by boosting self‑care and following healthy behaviors. Accordingly, this trial sought to specify the impact of a training program established on the theory of planned behavior on the self‑care of clients with this condition.

This trial was performed on 80 clients, who were selected using a random numbers table and divided into two equal groups to receive either usual care alone or usual care plus a training program based on the theory of planned behavior (five in‑hospital individual sessions for 5 weeks and weekly phone follow‑ups for 2 months after discharge). Self‑care and the dimensions of the theory of planned behavior were investigated at baseline and 2 months after the last in‑hospital session using the standardized Shah version of the modified Barthel index and a researcher‑made questionnaire, respectively.

The mean score of self‑care was significantly higher in the experimental arm at the posttest (Mann–Whitney = 506.00, p = 0.005). Also, the increase in mean change of self‑care from baseline to posttest was significantly more in the experimental arm (t78= ‑6.6, p < 0.001). Such findings were also found for all dimensions of the theory of planned behavior.

Based on results, nurses and health policymakers can incorporate training based on the theory of planned behavior into routine care programs for patients with cerebrovascular accident to boost their self‑care. The implemented intervention also could be reproduced in other contexts. Hence, further trials are requested to specify the sustainability of the findings.