Author/Authors :
Khodaveisi, Masoud Department Hamadan - University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran , Ashtarani, Fatemah Clinical Research Development Unit of Farshchian Hospital - Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran , Beikmoradi, Ali Medical‑Surgical Nursing Department - School of Nursing and Midwifery - Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran , Mohammadi, Nahid Department Hamadan - University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran , Mahjub, Hossein Biostatistics and Epidemiology Department - Faculty of Health - Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran , Mazdeh, Mehrdokht Neurology Department - Faculty of Medicine - Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran , Ashtarani, Elham School of Psychology and Education - Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Multiple sclerosis is a common debilitating chronic disease of the central
nervous system with a progressive and prolonged nature. Patients need an adjusted lifestyle and
continuous care in order to prevent its recurrence and progressive disabilities. This study aimed
to assess the effect of continuous care on lifestyle in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis.
Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted among 72 patients with
multiple sclerosis who referred to the Farshchian Educational Hospital in Hamadan, Iran in 2013.
The patients were allocated to intervention and control groups using balanced block randomization
with blocks of four. The steps of continuous care (orientation, sensitization, control, and evaluation)
were implemented in the case group for 2 months. The patients’ lifestyle was assessed before and
1 and 2 months after continuous care using the researcher‑developed Lifestyle Questionnaire. The
data were analyzed using the Chi‑square test, t‑test, and repeated‑measures analysis of variance.
Results: The mean score of lifestyle and its dimensions were significantly higher in the intervention
group 1 and 2 months after the intervention compared to the baseline (P = 0.001). In contrast, the
mean score of lifestyle and its dimensions had no significant difference in the control group 1 and
2 months after routine care compared to the baseline. Conclusions: Continuous care improved the
patients’ lifestyle. It could be designed as an appropriate care system into the hospitals or other
health care centers. This care system could be used widely in order to improve adherence to suitable
lifestyle in patients with chronic diseases.
Keywords :
Continous care , Iran , lifestyle , multiple sclerosis
