Factors associated with self-management behaviors among Chinese adults with ischemic stroke: A cross-sectional study

Background: In China, adults with ischemic stroke are getting younger. Additionally, following
a stroke, they often neglect self-management (SM), which significantly impacts the
rehabilitation process and treatment outcomes.
Objective: This study aimed to describe SM behavior and examine the relationship between
stroke prevention knowledge, life stress, family relationships, and SM behavior among adults
with ischemic stroke.
Methods: A total of 125 participants were recruited between October 2022 and March 2023
based on defined inclusion criteria. Research instruments included a demographic
questionnaire, the Stroke Self-management Behavior Scale for Young Adults, the Stroke
Prevention Knowledge Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Brief Family
Relationship Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s productmoment correlation.
Results: The mean score of SM behavior was 88.1 out of 130 (SD = 16.5). Stroke prevention
knowledge and family relationships showed a moderate positive significant relationship with
SM behavior (r = 0.39, r = 0.34, p <0.001, respectively). Life stress had a significant negative
relationship with SM behavior (r = -0.33, p <0.001).
Conclusion: The findings offer insights for nurses to develop nursing interventions to promote
SM behavior among adults with stroke. Furthermore, they can assist hospitals in transitioning
care to the community by emphasizing holistic nursing practices that educate about stroke
prevention knowledge, encourage family support, and provide stress management strategies
to enhance the SM abilities of adults with stroke.