Quantitative assessment of self-management in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: An unmet clinical need

In this editorial we comment on the article titled“Establishment and validation of an adherence prediction system for lifestyle interventions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”by Zeng et al published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)represents one of the current challenges in hepatology and public health,due to its continuous growing prevalence and the rising incidence of NAFLD-related fibrosis,non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis.The only effective therapeutic strategy for this dis-ease is represented by encouraging patients to improve their lifestyle through the modification of dietary intake and increased physical exercise,but the effective application of such modifications is often limited by various factors such as lack of information,psychological barriers or poor social support.While poor adherence to a healthy lifestyle can be decisive in determining the clinical outcome,in daily practice there is a lack of quantitative instruments aimed at identifying patients with the lowest adherence to lifestyle changes and higher risk of disease progre-ssion in the course of follow-up.In this article,Zeng et al propose a quantitative scale to assess the grade of adherence of patients with NAFLD to hea-lthy lifestyle intervention,called the Exercise and Diet Adherence Scale(EDAS).This scale,consisting of 33 items divided into 6 dimensions which relates to six subjective aspects in the self-management of NAFLD,has shown a good correlation with the identification of the sub-cohort of patients with the highest reduction in caloric intake,increase in physical exercise,probability of a reduction in liver stiffness measurement and alanine aminotransferase levels.The cor-relation among clinical outcomes and specific dimensions of this scale also highlights the pivotal role of a good and confidential doctor-patient relationship and of an effective communication.There is an urgent need for practical and effective instruments to assess the grade of self-management of NAFLD patients,together with the development of multidisciplinary teams with the aim of applying structured behavioral interventions.

Effect of Diabetes Self-Management Education on Glycaemic Control in Sudanese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Research Background: The high prevalence of diabetes in Sudan, estimated at 16%, highlights the importance of effective health education in diabetes management. Diabetes self-management education has been identified as a crucial tool in enhancing the knowledge, attitudes, and abilities necessary for self-management among individuals with diabetes. Aim: To assess the impact of diabetes self-management education on medication adherence and glycemic control in Sudanese adults with type 2 diabetes before and 3 months after the DSME intervention. Method: The study was conducted in Sudan between September 2022 and March 2023, it was an interventional, one-group, pre- and post-test study that aimed to assess the impact of diabetes self-management education (DSME) on medication adherence and diabetes control in Sudanese adults with type 2 diabetes. The research was conducted in primary health care centers in six cities in Sudan and involved 244 participants. The data entry and statistical analysis were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27.0. A paired t test was used for analysis. Results: The study included 244 participants, 67% of whom were males. The age mean ± SD was 48.6 ± 9.3 years, and 85.3% of participants were married. Age at onset of diabetes mean ± SD was 40.60 ± 7.81 years;44.6% had diabetes for less than 5 years;and 84.1% had a positive family history of diabetes mellitus. The levels of poor, low, and partial adherence to medication decreased by 8.2%, 4%, and 20.6%, respectively, after the intervention. The levels of good and high medication regime adherence increased by 13% and 19.8%, respectively;BMI decreased by 1.1 ± 0.73 kg/m2 (p = 0.005). The fasting blood sugar decreased by 69 ± 32.9 mg/dl (p = 0.049), and the glycated hemoglobin decreased by 1.21 ± 0.28% (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of this study reinforce the importance of patient education in improving glycemic control and enhancing self-management behaviors. Patient education plays a critical role in enhancing glycemic control and self-management behaviors. It is essential for healthcare providers to adopt a patient-centered approach, taking into account the individual's beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge about their illness and treatment. Overcoming these challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach, including enhancing healthcare professionals’ knowledge and communication skills, offering accessible and culturally sensitive diabetes education programs, and addressing barriers to resources and support for self-management.

Assessing the relationship between health literacy intervention and hypertension self-management:A 7-year systematic review from January 2016 to December 2022

Hypertension(HTN)is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting over 30%of the adult population globally,with a growing incidence rate.This review assesses the relationship between health literacy(HL)intervention and hypertension(HTN)self-management among people with HTN.The study design was a systematic review of empirical research articles using a well-defined strategy.Online journals were accessed through databases such as PubMed,CINAHL,Google Scholar,ProQuest,Global Health,WHOLIS,Embase,and EbscoHost,spanning from January 2016 to December 2022 as the scope of the study.Articles selected for inclusion were those published in English during the specified time frame and adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Sample,Phenomenon of Interest,Design,Evaluation,Research Type framework for systematic review,focusing on criteria related to the sample,the phenomenon of interest,study design,evaluation,and research type.Out of 180 studies initially identified in the database search,20 studies were ultimately included in the review.The findings were reported based on these five emerging themes:Relationship between HL and HTN self-management;Effect of HL intervention on HTN self-management;Factors predicting self-care behaviors among HTN patients with low HL;Effect of HL and self-management efficacy on health-related quality of life(HRQoL);and level of self-care practices.This review highlights a relationship between HL,self-efficacy,self-care,and HRQoL,underscoring the necessity for further well-designed intervention studies focused on enhancing HL in individuals with HTN in Nigeria to enhance their quality of life.

Application Effect of WeChat Platform Continuity of Care Model Based on KAP Theory on Self-Management of Stroke Patients with Hypertension

Objective: To explore the impact of the WeChat platform continuity of care model based on the KAP (knowledge, attitudes, and practices) theory on the self-management of stroke patients with hypertension after discharge from the hospital. Methods: 62 stroke patients with hypertension discharged from the rehabilitation department of a tertiary A hospital in Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from October 2022 to April 2023 were sampled by convenience sampling method. Patients discharged from Rehabilitation I were included in the control group, and conventional nursing care was used;while patients discharged from Rehabilitation II were included in the observation group, and WeChat platform continuity of nursing care model based on the KAP theory was implemented. The intervention effect of the two groups was compared. Results: After 4 and 12 weeks of intervention, the diastolic and systolic blood pressure of the patients in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05);after 12 weeks of intervention, the rate of medication adherence and the score of adherence to hypertension treatment in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The application of the WeChat platform continuity of care model based on KAP theory to stroke patients with hypertension can improve blood pressure, medication adherence rate, hypertension treatment adherence, and overall enhance the self-management level of these patients.

Conceptual Analysis of Self-Management in Patients with Hypertension

Objective:To clarify the concept of self-management in hypertensive patients by analyzing the definition,attributes,and measurement tools through a literature review.Methods:An Internet-based search of the databases was conducted using Academic Search Complete,Medical Line,CINAHL,Health Source:Nursing/Scholarly Edition,and Google Scholar.In the search process,keywords or free text were combined by using Boolean operators,with the search terms“self of management”or“self-management,”“concept*analysis”or“concept*definition,”and Walker and Avant’s concept analysis method was used.Results:Analysis of relevant literature summarized the conceptual attributes of self-management in hypertensive patients as the active participation of patients in the treatment process;the presence of interaction provided by patients and health care providers;the use of certain health management tools;and the aim of maintaining and improving the health status and living capacity of hypertensive patients.Conclusion:The concept of self-management for hypertensive patients was clarified,which helps to promote the application of hypertensive self-management in clinical work and improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with hypertension.

Factors related to self-management behavior among persons with mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Wenzhou,China

Objective:To describe the self-management(SM)behavior among persons with mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),and it examines the correlation between COPD knowledge,self-efficacy,perceived social support,and SM behavior among persons with mild-to-moderate COPD in Wenzhou,China.Methods:A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit 121 persons with mild-to-moderate COPD who visited the respiratory outpatient department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in Wenzhou,China.Research instruments include a demographic data questionnaire,COPD SM scale,COPD knowledge questionnaire,6-item chronic disease self-efficacy scale,and perceived social suppor t scale.Descriptive statistics and Pearson's Correlation were used for data analysis.Results:The findings show that the mean score of COPD SM scale was 2.70(SD=0.45).The Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the COPD knowledge(r=0.47,P<0.001),self-efficacy(r=0.28,P=0.001),and perceived social support(r=0.48,P<0.001)were positively correlated to the COPD SM behavior among persons with mild-to-moderate COPD in Wenzhou,China.Conclusions:The findings indicate that disease knowledge,self-efficacy,and perceived social support were related to SM behavior in persons with mild-to-moderate COPD,which provides a theoretical basis for developing SM interventions for persons with mildto-moderate COPD and improving this population's SM behavior.

Determinants of Home Deliveries by Pregnant Mothers in Lumbo Chabbobboma Zone of Gwembe District in Zambia

Background: Home deliveries is still high globally at 42% WHO 2022, due to high home deliveries, maternal death is also high at 43% globally. In sub-Sahara region home deliveries still high. Giving birth at health facilities in most of sub-Saharan African countries Zambia inclusive is still a challenge whereby more than 51% of first-time mothers give birth at home and this gives a risk of high maternal and perinatal deaths. Therefore Reducing number of home deliveries is important to improve maternal and perinatal health issues. In this study, the aim was to investigate the determinants of home deliveries by pregnant mothers in the Luumbo zone of Gwembe district, Zambia. Purpose: Access to skilled care and facilities with capacity to provide emergency and newborn care is critical to reduce maternal death. In Zambia 42% of women still deliveries from home, suggesting a persistent challenge for women to seek, reach, and receive quality maternity care. This study aimed investigate the determinants of home deliveries by pregnant mothers in Luumbo zone of Gwembe district, Zambia. Methods: The study was conducted among postnatal mothers who came for postnatal care at 6 weeks in Luumbo Chabbobboma clinic in Gwembe district southern province of Zambia. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study where a Simple random sampling technique was used to select 105 women of childbearing age who attended postnatal and had a recent delivery. Data were collected using a researcher-administered structured questionnaire to identify determinants of home deliveries in Luumbo Chabbobboma zone. Data analysis was done using SPSS computer software version 27.0. Both descriptive and inferential (chi-square test) analyses were performed and statistical significance was taken at α ≤ 0.05. Results: The results show that 46 (43.8%) respondents were in the age bracket 20 - 29 years. Of the 105 respondents included in the study, 24 (22.9%) of them delivered from home. The results show that high maternal age (p = 0.03), occupation (p = 0.024), distance to the facility (p = 0.014), means of transportation (p = 0.023), multiparity (p = 0.01), timing and number of ANC visits (p Conclusion: From this population. The major reason why women still deliver at home was long distance to the nearest facility. To reduce maternal and perinatal mortality access to health facilities by pregnant women needs to be improved. There should also be active engagement of the traditional and religious institutions in the area.

Informing policy makers in developing countries:Practices and limitations of geriatric home medication review in Malaysia-A qualitative inquiry

Objective:To explore existing practices and challenges in the delivery of geriatric home medication review(HMR).The study was part of a larger study aimed to offer solution to expand the range of geriatric HMR.Methods:This study employed qualitative exploratory design through semi-structured individual in-depth interviews with the public pharmacists involved in the delivery of geriatric HMR at public hospitals.The purpose of the interviews was to explore challenges faced by them in the delivery of geriatric HMR.Results:Based on the emerging themes from the qualitative data,the study reveals that geriatric HMR in Malaysia is integrated as part of multidisciplinary home care visits,encompassing a diverse patient population with various healthcare needs.However,it faces challenges such as the lack of outcome monitoring,formal training,and workforce constraints.Despite these hurdles,there is a pressing need for the expansion of this service to better serve the community,and collaboration with community pharmacists holds potential to broaden its scope.Ultimately,the findings suggest that pharmacist-led HMR is both warranted and feasible within the Malaysian healthcare context.In order to optimize medicine-use among older people living in the community,approaches for expanding geriatric HMR services in Malaysia must be developed.Conclusions:This study holds profound implications as it attempts to illuminate policy makers in developing countries,enabling them to formulate effective HMR plans.By considering the challenges highlighted within this research,policy makers can design a comprehensive HMR service that caters adeptly to the healthcare needs of the mass population.

Efficient and Secure IoT Based Smart Home Automation Using Multi-Model Learning and Blockchain Technology

The concept of smart houses has grown in prominence in recent years.Major challenges linked to smart homes are identification theft,data safety,automated decision-making for IoT-based devices,and the security of the device itself.Current home automation systems try to address these issues but there is still an urgent need for a dependable and secure smart home solution that includes automatic decision-making systems and methodical features.This paper proposes a smart home system based on ensemble learning of random forest(RF)and convolutional neural networks(CNN)for programmed decision-making tasks,such as categorizing gadgets as“OFF”or“ON”based on their normal routine in homes.We have integrated emerging blockchain technology to provide secure,decentralized,and trustworthy authentication and recognition of IoT devices.Our system consists of a 5V relay circuit,various sensors,and a Raspberry Pi server and database for managing devices.We have also developed an Android app that communicates with the server interface through an HTTP web interface and an Apache server.The feasibility and efficacy of the proposed smart home automation system have been evaluated in both laboratory and real-time settings.It is essential to use inexpensive,scalable,and readily available components and technologies in smart home automation systems.Additionally,we must incorporate a comprehensive security and privacy-centric design that emphasizes risk assessments,such as cyberattacks,hardware security,and other cyber threats.The trial results support the proposed system and demonstrate its potential for use in everyday life.

LSTM Based Neural Network Model for Anomaly Event Detection in Care-Independent Smart Homes

This study introduces a long-short-term memory(LSTM)-based neural network model developed for detecting anomaly events in care-independent smart homes,focusing on the critical application of elderly fall detection.It balances the dataset using the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique(SMOTE),effectively neutralizing bias to address the challenge of unbalanced datasets prevalent in time-series classification tasks.The proposed LSTM model is trained on the enriched dataset,capturing the temporal dependencies essential for anomaly recognition.The model demonstrated a significant improvement in anomaly detection,with an accuracy of 84%.The results,detailed in the comprehensive classification and confusion matrices,showed the model’s proficiency in distinguishing between normal activities and falls.This study contributes to the advancement of smart home safety,presenting a robust framework for real-time anomaly monitoring.

Which Neighborhoods Have Easier Access to Online Home Delivery Services?A Spatiotemporal Accessibility Analysis in Nanjing,China

The rise in online home delivery services(OHDS)has had a significant impact on how urban services are supplied and used in recent years.Studies on the spatial accessibility of OHDS are emerging,but few is known about the temporal dimension of OHDS accessibility as well as the geographic and socioeconomic differences in the spatiotemporal accessibility of OHDS.This study measures the spatiotemporal accessibility of four types of OHDS,namely leisure,fresh and convenient,medical,and catering services.The geographic and socioeconomic disparities in the spatiotemporal accessibility of these four types of OHDS are then identified using spatial statistical methods and the Kruskal-Wallis test(K-W test).The case study in Nanjing,China,suggests that:1)spatiotemporal accessibility better reflects the temporal variation of OHDS accessibility and avoids overestimation of OHDS accessibility when only considering its spatial dimension.2)The spatiotemporal accessibility of OHDS varies geographically and socioeconomically.Neighborhoods located in the main city or neighborhoods with higher housing prices,higher population density,and higher point of interest(POI)mix have better OHDS spatiotemporal accessibility.Our study contributes to the understanding of OHDS accessibility from a spatiotemporal perspective,and the empirical insights can assist policymakers in creating intervention plans that take into account variations in OHDS spatiotemporal accessibility.

Neuroarchitecture Analysis in the Mis Abuelitos Nursing Home in Cochachinche, Huanuco, Peru - A Secondary Publication

Neuroarchitecture is a set of characteristics grouped into principles that seek to generate a certain behavior when applied.These principles will vary according to the type of user for whom the design is intended.In this research,these neuroarchitectural principles are identified in the nursing home Mis Abuelitos in Cochachinche,Huánuco.The home was designed and built with notions of nature and the Andean while emphasizing the occupants are the elderly.With this purpose,qualitative research was carried out using two sequential criteria,the first was to identify what these principles are and the second was to recognize the principles within the area.The principles that are assertively used for the elderly occupants were selected.The study observation was performed with observation and photographic sheets and was analyzed with ATLAS.ti processing software.It was obtained that the three neuroarchitectural principles are present in the nursing home which are 67%of the recommended characteristics for the elderly.

Self-management A concept analysis of self-management for cancer patients’ home-based rehabilitation

目的：通过概念分析法探索和阐明“自我管理”概念在癌症患者进行医院治疗后的居家康复环境下的定义,为护士指导癌症患者制定居家康复锻炼计划和症状自我管理的策略,并构建相关护理理论提供依据.方法：采用Walker和Avant的概念分析模型进行分析.结果：“自我管理”是指癌症患者在医务工作者的指导和帮助下,能够感知自己的疾病康复需求,通过对社会资源的充分运用和自身解决问题的能力的提升,进而积极参与到疾病康复的方案中,从而促进他们的疾病康复和提高他们的生活质量.“自我管理”的前因包括“自我效能”;“患者对疾病的认知”;“社会支持”.通过提高癌症患者的自我管理能力能够可以提高他们的健康结局、生活质量和减轻医疗支出.目前,症状自我管理的策略和效果量表被认为一个比较理想的癌症患者自我管理测量工具而被医务工作者广泛地运用.结论：护士在延续性护理中应该鼓励癌症患者积极参与到居家康复的方案制定中,帮助他们充分地利用资源和提高疾病症状自我管理的能力,从而提高他们的健康结局和生活质量.

Impact of chronic disease self-management programs on type 2 diabetes management in primary care

AIM: To assess the effectiveness of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program(CDSMP) on glycated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) and selected self-reported measures.METHODS: We compared patients who received a diabetes self-care behavioral intervention, the CDSMP developed at the Stanford University, with controls whoreceived usual care on their HbA1c and selected self-reported measures, including diabetes self-care activities, health-related quality of life(HRQOL), pain and fatigue. The subjects were a subset of participants enrolled in a randomized controlled trial that took place at seven regional clinics of a university-affiliated integrated healthcare system of a multi-specialty group practice between January 2009 and June 2011. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c from randomization to 12 mo. Data were analyzed using multilevel statistical models and linear mixed models to provide unbiased estimates of intervention effects.RESULTS: Demographic and baseline clinical characteristics were generally comparable between the two groups. The average baseline HbA1c values in the CDSMP and control groups were 9.4% and 9.2%, respectively. Significant reductions in HbA1c were seen at 12 mo for the two groups, with adjusted changes around 0.6%(P < 0.0001), but the reductions did not differ significantly between the two groups(P = 0.885). Few significant differences were observed in participants' diabetes self-care activities. No significant differences were observed in the participants' HRQOL, pain, or fatigue measures.CONCLUSION: The CDSMP intervention may not lower HbA1c any better than good routine care in an integrated healthcare system. More research is needed to understand the benefits of self-management programs in primary care in different settings and populations.

The status quo and influence of self-management behaviors in convalescent stroke patients

Objective： The aims of this study were to investigate the status quo of self-management behaviors in stroke patients at the recovery stage and to explore its influencing factors.Methods： A total of 440 hospitalized convalescent stroke patients were recruited and investigated using the Basic Situation Questionnaire, Self-management Behavior Scale of Stroke, Stroke Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire and Social Support Rating Scale.Results： The mean self-management behavior score was （151.95±23.58）, and dimensions in descending order were as follows： dietary management, drug safety management, social function and interpersonal relationships, life management, emotion management, rehabilitation exercise management and disease management. Five regional self-management behavior scores were statistically significant, and the scores from Minnan and Minzhong of the Fujian province, China, were higher than the others. Gender, age, family income and self-management behavior were significantly correlated （P〈0.05）; educational level, stroke knowledge level, social support level and self-management behavior were positively correlated, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.01）. Conclusions： The overall self-management level of convalescent stroke patients should be improved to strengthen health education; focus on the educational level, which is relatively low; strengthen the social support system of patients; stimulate the enthusiasm and initiative of self-management disease patients to promote disease rehabilitation and improve the quality of life.

Technology and diabetes self-management: An integrative review

Technology can be used to supplement healthcare provider diabetes care by providing both educational and motivational support. Education can be provided using technology allowing patients to learn new practices and routines related to diabetes management. Technology can support daily diabetes self-management activities including blood glucose monitoring, exercising, healthy eating, taking medication, monitoring for complications, and problem-solving. This article describes an integrative review conducted to evaluate the types of technology being used to facilitate diabetes self-management and the effect of that technology on self-management and diabetes outcomes for adults living with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A literature review was conducted by searching Medline, Pub Med, and Psych INFO databases using the search terms: diabetes self-management, technology, type 2 diabetes, smartphones, cell phones, and diabetes mellitus covering the years from 2008-2013. Articles relying on secondary data(editorials, systematic reviews) and articles describing study protocol only were excluded. Fourteen studies including qualitative, quasiexperimental, and randomized controlled trial designs were identified and included in the review. The review found that technological interventions had positive impacts on diabetes outcomes including improvements in hemoglobin A1 C levels, diabetes self-management behaviors, and diabetes self-efficacy. Results indicate that technological interventions can benefit people living with diabetes when used in conjunction with diabetes care delivered by healthcare providers.

Self-management and self-efficacy status in liver recipients

BACKGROUND： Liver transplantation （LT） is a viable treatment for patients with end-stage chronic liver diseases. The main aim of LT is to prolong life and improve life quality. However, although survival after LT continues to improve, some aspects of recipient＇s health-related quality of life such as self-man- agement and self-efficacy have been largely ignored.

Patient attitudes about financial incentives for diabetes self-management:A survey

AIM:To study the acceptability of incentives for behavior changes in individuals with diabetes,comparing financial incentives to self-rewards and non-financial incentives.METHODS:A national online survey of United States adults with diabetes was conducted in March 2013(n = 153).This survey was designed for this study,with iterative testing and modifications in a pilot population.We measured the demographics of individuals,their interest in incentives,as well as the perceived challenge of diabetes self-management tasks,and expectations of incentives to improve diabetes self-management(financial,non-financial and self-rewards).Using an ordered logistic regression model,we assessed the association between a 32-point score of the perceived challenge of the self-management tasks and the three types of rewards.RESULTS:Ninety-six percent of individuals were interested in financial incentives,60% in non-financial incentives and 72% in self-rewards.Patients were less likely to use financial incentives when they perceived the behavior to be more challenging(odds ratio of using financial incentives of 0.82(95%CI:0.72-0.93) for each point of the behavior score).While the effectiveness of incentives may vary according to the perceived level of challenge of each behavior,participants did not expect to need large amounts to motivate them to modify their behavior.The expected average amounts needed to motivate a 5 lb weight loss in our population and to maintain this weight change for a year was $258(interquartile range of $10-100) and $713(interquartile range of $25-250) for a 15 lb weight loss.The difference in mean amount estimates for 5 lb and 15 lb weight loss was significant(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:Individuals with diabetes are willing to consider financial incentives to improve diabetes selfmanagement.Future studies are needed to explore incentive programs and their effectiveness for diabetes.

What are the self-management experiences of the elderly with diabetes?A systematic review of qualitative research

BACKGROUND The number of elderly individuals with diabetes is dramatically increasing.Diabetes is a long-term condition and a noncommunicable disease and requires intensive daily self-management.Understanding of self-management from the patients’perspectives is important to nurses,healthcare providers,and researchers and benefits people by improving their self-management skills.AIM To examine and synthesize qualitative studies that explore the experiences of elderly people in self-managing diabetes.METHODS Electronic databases were searched,including MEDLINE,CINAH,PsycINFO,PubMed,CNKI,and WANFADATA.Relevant research was identified by manually searching reference lists and gray literature.Only English and Chinese publications were included.The Critical Appraisal Skills Program was used to assess the quality of the research.The Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research approach was used to assess the confidence of the findings.RESULTS A total of 10 qualitative studies were included,and content analysis was performed.Five themes were identified:The need for knowledge about diabetes care,support systems,functional decline,attitudes toward diabetes,and healthy lifestyle challenges.CONCLUSION This present review provides a deep and broad understanding of the experiences in the self-management of diabetes and can be valuable to nursing practice and provide recommendations for future research.

Self-Management Behaviors of Patients with Hypertension in Daily Life

Background: In a rapidly aging Japanese society, the number of patients with hypertension has seen a steady increase. The basic treatments for hypertension are maintaining blood pressure through medication and preventing complications. It is important for patients with hypertension to perform self-management. This improves their lifestyle while controlling their blood pressure to prevent complications and maintain good health. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the actual self-management behavior ability of patients with hypertension and to clarify the factors involved in their self-management behavior. Methods: A total of 150 patients with hypertension were included in this study. The following data were obtained from the patients as background information: sex, age, years with disease, whether they are receiving antihypertensive agents, type of antihypertensive agent, blood test data, heart thoracic ratio, left ventricular ejection fraction, pulse wave, pulse wave velocity, and height. The levels of self-management skills of the patients were also assessed using the “Instrument to Measure the Self-care of patients with Hypertension” developed by Tsuboi et al. Results: The associations among self-management behaviors in daily life, such as diet, exercise, stress, medication, alcohol intake, and smoking, were analyzed in patients with hypertension. The subjects were classified into the following three groups: aged 65 years or below (Group A), early stage elderly individuals (Group B), and late-stage elderly individuals aged 75 years or over (Group C). The results showed that the subjects in Group C had higher self-management scores for diet, exercise, stress, medication, and drinking than the subjects in the other two groups. The scores of smoking and self-management of the subjects in Group A were high but their other self-management scores were low. All the subjects were taking between 1 to 3 types of oral antihypertensive drugs. The rate of achievement of the target blood pressure was 50% or more in all the three groups. However, the pulse wave velocity was high in all the three groups. Conclusion: The results indicate that the risk of developing disorders of the brain and cardiovascular system is high in all the three groups, owing to the high degree of arteriosclerosis. Therefore, increasing the number of nursing interventions is expected to reduce blood pressure, maintain and promote self-management behavior in daily life, and prevent the onset of complications. The results suggest that nursing interventions involving lifestyle guidance for improving the self-management skills of patients are urgently needed by patients under 65 years of age.