liver cirrhosis defined as chronic hepatic disease characterized by diffuse destruction and fibrotic regeneration of hepatic cells. It is started by an asymptomatic stage “compensated cirrhosis”, followed by “decompensated cirrhosis”, which is marked by the development of complications .Aim of the study: was to evaluate the effect of self management program on outcomes of patients with liver cirrhosis. Hypothesis: H1- the level of liver cirrhosis patients’ knowledge will be improved positively after the implementation of self management program, H2- the level of patients self management behavior will be improved positively after the implementation program, H3- the patients’ health outcomes as HRQL and symptoms experience will be positively improved after the implementation of self management program. Design: Quasi- experimental research design was utilized in this study to achieve the aim of this study. Setting: The study was carried out in hepatology and gastrointestinal department at Benha University Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of (58) patients from both sexes diagnosed with liver cirrhosis (third stage) for a period of 9 months. Tool: one tool was used divided into six section (1): patient's demographic data, (2): patient's medical history, (3): quality of life, (4) patient's knowledge questionnaire, (5) self-management behavior questionnaire, (6) patients’ health outcomes assessment divided into two sections which health related quality of life (HRQOL) and patient’s symptoms experience. Results: The study revealed that nearly all studied of patients had unsatisfactory knowledge and behavior score regarding self care management pre self care program implementation which improved immediately,1st and 2nd month post program implementation. Conclusion: Providing self care program has been shown to be effective on patients’ knowledge, behavior and HRQOL. Recommendation: Providing liver cirrhotic patients with continuous education about self-care to overcome symptoms and complications of the disease and thus improve their quality of life |
