Self-Management Educational program for Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema Women: Effect on Self-Care Practices and Adherence

Abstract

Background: Since post-mastectomy lymphedema is a lifelong condition. Effective self-management is vital for reducing limb swelling, slowing disease progression, and enhancing self-care. So adhering to self-care regimens is paramount for effective lymphedema management. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of self-management educational program on women's self-care practices and adherence post-mastectomy lymphedema. Hypothesis: Implementing of self-management educational program will enhance self-care practices and adherence among post mastectomy lymphedema women. Research design: A quasi-experimental study design (pre–post test) was utilized. Subjects: Forty post-mastectomy women with lymphedema were enrolled in this study. Setting: The study was carried out in the breast, oncology outpatient clinics and the rheumatology and rehabilitation unit at Assiut University Hospital. Tools: Tool (I) Women's structured interview questionnaire, Tool (II): The Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema (BCRL) Self-Care Scale and Tool (III): BCRL Self-Care Adherence Questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the studied women was 47.67±6.45 years. Significant improvements were found in women's total knowledge and self-care scores regarding lymphedema after program implementation at (P.v<.001**). Additionally, total mean score of the BCRL Self-Care Adherence improved after program implementation, from (2.33 ± 1.29) pre-implementation to (4.68 ± 1.59 and 5.4 ± 1.55 ) post (three and six months respectively).Conclusion: A lymphedema self-management educational program effectively enhanced self-care practices and adherence among post-mastectomy lymphedema women. Recommendation: Incorporating lymphedema self-management educational program into the standard nursing care plan for women with BCRL, ensuring it is regularly updated.