Effects of Health Education on Stroke Patients in Khao Niwet Subdistrict

Abstract

This pre-experimental quantitative research, utilizing a one-group pretest-posttest design, aimed to compare the knowledge and self-care skills of stroke patients in Khao Niwet Subdistrict, Mueang District, Ranong Province, before and after receiving health education. The sample consisted of 30 stroke patients referred for home visits through the Thai Continuous of Care (THAI COC) system. The research instruments included a demographic questionnaire, a knowledge assessment test, and the Barthel ADL Index for assessing daily living skills. The intervention involved registered nurses conducting two home visits to provide health education on cerebrovascular disease. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a paired t-test.

The results revealed that after receiving health education, the sample's average knowledge score regarding stroke significantly increased from 8.90 to 13.30 (p < .001). Additionally, 86.67% of the sample demonstrated a high level of knowledge. Regarding daily living skills, the average score increased from 88.16 to 91.53; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = .069). This was primarily due to the sample's already high baseline scores, indicating a high level of independence, combined with the fact that physical skill rehabilitation requires a longer duration.

In conclusion, providing health education through the home visit system (THAI COC) is an effective mechanism for enhancing knowledge and awareness of stroke management among patients. The study recommends integrating this health education model as a standard practice for home visits and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team for the long-term physical rehabilitation of patients.