The Effect of Self-Management Training on Anxiety and Comfort of Burn Patients Candidate for Skin Grafting

BACKGROUND Self-management programs on needs of burn patients are still essential. So this study determined the effect of self-management training on anxiety and comfort of burn patients who were candidate for skin grafting. METHODS In a continuous sampling method in Shahid Motahari Burn Center affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences, 80 burn patients candidate for skin grafting were divided into equal groups of intervention and control. Educational intervention was undertaken in the form of booklet during two sessions before and after skin grafting. Visual comfort scale questionnaire and Spiel Berger state-trait anxiety inventory were completed by patients before training and one month after intervention. RESULTS There was a significant difference between the frequency of comfort level in both groups before and after the intervention. The level of comfort in the intervention group increased more than control group. The mean level of patients’ anxiety showed a significant difference between groups and scores in intervention group were significantly more than control group. CONCLUSION Attention and control of anxiety and comfort in burn patients are one of the essential elements of their care. It can be suggested that self-management training can reduce anxiety and increase burn patients’ comfort.