The Effect of the Individual and Family Self-management Programs on bowel preparation for Colonoscopy in Older persons at Mahasarakham Hospital

Abstract

Objectives :This study aimed to examine the bowel preparation of older persons undergoing colonoscopy who received self-management programs from family members and caregivers versus those who received standard nursing care. The specific objectives were (1) to study the preparatory practices of elderly individuals undergoing colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening and (2) to compare the bowel preparation between the group receiving self-management programs and the group receiving standard nursing care.

Methods :A quasi-experimental two-group posttest-only design was employed for this study. The sample consisted of older persons with abnormal fecal occult blood test results, identified through colorectal cancer screening, who sought outpatient surgical services at Mahasarakham Hospital. The sample size was determined using G*Power software, and only those who were undergoing colonoscopy for the first time were included. A total of 64 participants were randomly selected into each group. The control group received standard nursing care, while the experimental group received self-management programs based on the Ryan &Sawin theory, with family members serving as primary caregivers and communicating through a mobile application. Data collection tools included a self-report questionnaire for older persons and family caregivers, as well as an assessment of bowel preparation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and The Mann-Whitney U Test.

Results :The mean scores of bowel preparation among older adults who received self-management programs from family members before colonoscopy were higher than control group indicating a significant improvement. Furthermore, when comparing preparatory practices between the twogroups before colonoscopy, the group receiving self-management programs performed significantly better (p-value < 0.01) than the group receiving standard nursing care.

Conclusion :The provision of self-management programs by individuals and family caregivers can significantly enhance the bowel preparation of older persons undergoing colonoscopy, leading to improved patient outcomes.