Effects of Pressure Sore Prevention Program on Knowledge and Self-Efficacy of Family Caregivers in Decreasing Pressure Sore Risk of Persons with Cerebrovascular Disease

OBJECTIVES: This quasi-experimental research design was aimed to determine effects of pressure sore (PS) prevention program on knowledge and self-efficacy of family caregivers in decreasing PS risk of persons with cerebrovascular disease (CVD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study participants were family caregivers of persons with CVD and these were randomly selected and placed into two groups: an experimental group with 27 participants receiving the PS prevention program for 8 weeks and a control group with 26 participants receiving routine nursing care at home. Data were collected using demographics questionnaire, CVD knowledge, self-efficacy of PS prevention, and Braden scale for PU risk assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed ranks test, ANCOVA and Mann Whitney U test. RESULTS: After participating in the program, family caregivers in the experimental group had a significantly mean score of CVD knowledge and self-efficacy of PS program higher than before receiving the program (p < 0.001) and the control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively). Participants in the experimental group had a significantly mean score of PS risk higher than before receiving the program (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: The PS prevention program should be applied to family caregivers in order to reduce PS risk of persons with CVD Keywords: knowledge, self-efficacy, pressure sore (PS), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), family caregivers, bedsore, bedridden DOI: 10.31524/bkkmedj.2019.02.009