Nurse-Led Self-Management Educational Intervention Improves Symptoms of Patients With Functional Constipation

West J Nurs Res. 2018 Jun;40(6):874-888. doi: 10.1177/0193945917701128. Epub 2017 Apr 10.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of self-management educational intervention on the symptoms of patients with functional constipation. From January 2014 to April 2015, 66 patients with functional constipation were randomly assigned into intervention group receiving intensive educational interventions and control group receiving routine nursing care. The constipation score of all clinical symptoms (Bristol stool form scale, defecation interval, incomplete evacuation, evacuatory difficulty) at 1 month postdischarge were all significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (all, p < .05). At 1 month postdischarge, the intervention group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with good health habits (reasonable diet, regular exercise, good defecation habits, proper use of laxatives) as compared with the control group (all, p < .05). These data suggest educational intervention can effectively improve constipation symptoms and compliance with treatment of patients, and lead to the development of good health habits.

Keywords: chronic disease; educational intervention; functional constipation; self-management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Constipation / therapy*
  • Diet
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laxatives / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nurse's Role*
  • Nursing Research
  • Patient Compliance
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Self-Management*

Substances

  • Laxatives