Self-care Interventions Research Articles (Page 1)

Understanding self-care behaviors in older adults with chronic diseases: The influence of personal views on aging and illness perceptions.

Introduction: Adequate self-care is associated with better health outcomes in those with hypertension (HTN). Interventions including care partners positively affect the health of the person and their partner. Prior dyadic studies report improved self-efficacy and health outcomes in those with chronic illness, but no studies have been done in those with HTN. Purpose: (1) Examine change in self-care and relationship quality from baseline to one month, and (2) explore role of mental health factors (anxiety and depression) and couple-level characteristics (relationship quality) on self-care health behaviors post intervention. Theoretical Framework: The Theory of Dyadic Illness Management guided the study. Methods: Data from 25 dyads was collected during an outpatient cardiology visit. Intervention included baseline education guided by AHA documents, health-promotion goal setting, and three weekly telephone calls for promotion of dyadic interpersonal communication and support for meeting goals. Two health promotion goals related to stress reduction, sleep, physical activity, diet, smoking, and alcohol intake were set by each member of the dyad. Data on demographics, depression (PHQ) anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), relationship quality (Mutuality Scale, 0-100, higher more agreement), and self-care maintenance, monitoring, management, and confidence (SC-HIv3, 0-100, > 70 adequate) were collected at baseline and post intervention (one month). Changes in self-care scales and mutuality were examined using paired-sample t- tests. For the second objective, we examined the correlations of baseline depression, anxiety, and mutuality with change scores in self-care scales (Time 2-Time 1). Results: Sample was 62% female, 65% married; 76% of caregivers were partners and 24% were mother/daughter. Results indicated a significant increase in self-care maintenance (Time 1: M=67.86, SD=18.78; Time 2: M=73.43, SD=12.21) to adequate levels, self-care monitoring (Time 1: M=58.78, SD=29.89; Time 2: M=68.61, SD=26.531), and mutuality (Time 1: M=59.70, SD=16.82; Time 2: M=64.54, SD=12.60). Increased depression and anxiety were significantly related to lower change scores in self-care maintenance and self-care confidence. In addition, higher mutuality scores were related to an increase in confidence scores from Time 2 to Time 2. Conclusions: A dyadic support intervention was efficacious and improved self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring and mutuality in people with HTN.

Background: Self-care in elderly patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes is critical for disease management. Spousal support plays a pivotal role in self-care behaviors. This study aimed to examine factors influencing self-care and spousal contributions using the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model and the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 122 elderly patient-spouse dyads (244 participants) who visited a cardiology outpatient clinic in South Korea between March and September 2023. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and electronic medical records. Analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlations, and structural equation modeling using SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 23.0. Results: Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships among disease-related knowledge, health attitudes, self-efficacy for self-care, and self-care behaviors for both patients and spouses. Structural modeling showed that patients’ disease-related knowledge (β = 0.32, p < .001) and self-efficacy (β = 0.21, p = .040) significantly influenced self-care (R2 = 63.5%). Spouses’ knowledge (β = 0.26, p = .015) and self-efficacy (β = 0.50, p < .001) influenced their contributions to patient self-care (R2 = 61.2%). While spouses’ knowledge had no direct effect on patients’ self-care (β = 0.11, p = .254), an indirect effect was found through patients’ self-efficacy (β = 0.13, p = .007). Additionally, spouses’ health attitudes indirectly affected their self-care contributions via self-efficacy (β = 0.17, p = .004). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of including spouses in self-care interventions for elderly CAD patients with diabetes. Enhancing disease-related knowledge and self-efficacy in both patients and spouses may improve self-care outcomes. Findings support the development of dyadic, patient-centered education and intervention strategies in clinical settings.

BackgroundLeprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious neglected tropical disease. Leprosy can cause extensive immune mediated nerve damage which can persist post cure of infection with multidrug therapy, leaving a significant burden of physical disability among those affected by leprosy. Leprosy can also cause irreversible damage to the eyes and eventual blindness or visual disability. One means of preventing, monitoring and managing the disability as a result of leprosy is through self-care. Self-care is the practice of patients undertaking activities to improve or maintain their own health with or without the support of a healthcare professional, and has been a part of World Health Organization Zero leprosy strategies for many years. This review will seek to identify what self-care interventions exist for leprosy affected people and will map these interventions to the transtheoretical model of behaviour change to identify which level of the model current interventions target. Sub questions will explore what information is provided regarding the cost of the interventions and additionally explore what eye, feet and hand specific self-care advice is given by interventions.MethodsWe will search for literature in PubMed, Medline ALL, Web of science Core Collection, Embase, LILACS and SciELO. Studies that encompass a self-care intervention under the definition provided by the World Health Organization targeting those affected by leprosy will be eligible for inclusion. No language restriction will be applied. Data will first be deduplicated using endnote before the final deduplicated search results are uploaded to Rayyan for screening by the research team. We will apply a blinded screening whereby if at least one screener identifies a paper as potentially relevant it will proceed to full text screening, this will be carried out independently by at least two of the authors, in this case of disagreement a final decision will be made by the senior author. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed method studies will be eligible for inclusion. Studies will be assessed for bias using CASP checklists. Findings will be reported in narrative synthesis and as a visual representation of levels of the transtheoretical model addressed in interventions. Start date: 11 August 2025. End date: 30 November 2025.DiscussionThe findings from this review will document existing self-care interventions for those affected by leprosy, mapping the individual interventions to the stage of the transtheoretical model of behaviour change that they address. Information will also be presented regarding implementation costs of the interventions and what specific advice for hands, feet and eyes is given. Highlighting promising interventions can support clinicians in low-resource settings in advising their patients on what to prioritize in their self-care.PROSPERO registration no.CRD42025649623.

Although studieshave demonstrated that many patient-centered behavioral interventions are effective in improving diabetes self-care, little is known regarding their comparative effectiveness. The Management of Diabetes in Everyday Life (MODEL) Study sought to compare the effectiveness of promising alternative patient-centered behavioral interventions, including educational materials (EM) alone, health coaching (HC)+EM, and text messaging (TM)+EM, for improving diabetes self-care. Three-arm pragmatic randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02957513). A total of 666 African-American adults with uncontrolled diabetes (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] ≥ 8%) and multiple chronic conditions from 19 Mid-South US primary care practices randomly assigned to EM, HC+EM, or TM+EM in a 1:2:2 ratio. EM-alone participants received culturally tailored and patient-vetted diabetes EM. HC+EM participants received motivational interviewing-based coaching from certified lay health coaches. TM+EM participants received personalized and tailored messages. Primary outcomes included patient-reported healthy eating, exercise, and medication adherence self-care behaviors. Secondary outcomes included HbA1c, body weight, quality of life, and primary care engagement. All three arms significantly improved healthy eating, exercise, and HbA1c from baseline to 12 months. EM participants increased healthy eating days by 0.67 ± 0.19 day/week (95% CI, 0.30-1.04), HC+EM by 0.99 ± 0.15 day/week (95% CI, 0.70-1.28), and TM+EM by 1.36 ± 0.15 day/week (95% CI, 1.07-1.64). Improvements in exercise behaviors were similar in all arms. TM+EM participants experienced significantly greater improvement in healthy eating than EM-alone participants (0.69 ± 0.24 day/week). Average reduction in HbA1c was 0.76% ± 0.12% (p ≤ 0.0001) and 90 of 349 participants (25.8%) with complete data for HbA1c achieved reductions below 8%. The MODEL Study demonstrates that EM-alone, HC+EM, and TM+EM are effective for improving self-care behaviors and HbA1c. TM+EM is more effective than EM-alone in improving healthy eating. Low-cost EM, HC+EM, and TM+EM should be made more readily available in primary care settings nationwide.

Illness perception plays a crucial role in chronic illness self-care; however, its assessment among Thais with chronic conditions remains limited. The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) is a concise measure, but its psychometric properties require validation in this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the BIPQ and its relationship to self-care measures. This methodological, and cross-sectional study analyzed data from 407 Thais with chronic conditions recruited across multiple primary healthcare centers. The BIPQ was translated and cross-culturally adapted following the ISPOR Task Force for Translation and Cultural Adaptation guideline. Structural validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Hypothesis testing was conducted to examine the associations between self-care measures, along with known-group comparisons. Reliability was evaluated using internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement error analysis. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a 2-dimensional structure comprising pessimistic and optimistic dimensions. Significant correlations between BIPQ scores and the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory version 4.c and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy Scale version 3.0 supported construct validity. Known-group analysis demonstrated significant differences in BIPQ scores across demographic and clinical subgroups. The BIPQ demonstrated good internal consistency (McDonald ω = 0.80), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.85), and acceptable measurement error. The BIPQ is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing illness perceptions among Thais with chronic illnesses. Its application may help guide targeted self-care interventions in both clinical and research. Authors of future studies should explore its utility in diverse chronic conditions and cultural contexts.

IntroductionDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are highly prevalent and recurrent complications of diabetes mellitus that have significant health and cost implications. Self-care is critical for preventing or delaying DFU and promoting healing, yet adherence to self-care recommendations is low. Interventions using motivational interviewing (MI) have been effective in supporting behaviour change and emotional adjustment, but evidence for DFU is scarce. This study will assess the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an MI-guided programme, Healing DFU through Empowerment and Active Listening (HEALing), and its integration in usual wound care practice.Methods and analysisThis single-arm pilot study adopts a mixed-methods approach to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the HEALing intervention. HEALing is a practical, low-intensity, clinic-integrated personalised self-care support intervention, comprising three 30 min face-to-face sessions delivered over 6 weeks by trained wound care nurses, aiming to enhance self-care behaviours and support emotional adjustment in patients with DFU. Data will be collected from a battery of questionnaire-based surveys with patients (n=30), and in-depth individual interviews with both patients (n=30) and wound care nurse facilitators (n=10) from nurse-led wound clinics in a large primary care sector in Singapore.The primary feasibility outcomes will include enrolment, retention (≥80%), data completion (≥80% of surveys) and participant satisfaction. Secondary outcomes will include self-report measures of illness perceptions, foot care confidence, diabetes distress, foot self-care behaviour, DFU knowledge, autonomy support and health-related quality of life, taken at baseline and post-intervention. Post-intervention interviews with patients and wound care nurse facilitators will be conducted to collect feedback on the programme and its implementation feasibility.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been approved by the local ethics committee, and written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings will be disseminated through the first author’s PhD thesis, peer-reviewed journals, national and international conferences and public events.Trial registration numberNCT06540170; Pre-results.

BackgroundPediatric patients with chronic illnesses face a multitude of health challenges that are often inadequately addressed by conventional, siloed medical systems. Pediatric integrative medicine (PIM), blending complementary therapies with conventional medicine, offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive approach to addressing these complex challenges. Despite growing demand for PIM, lifestyle-oriented care, and multimodal biopsychosocial interventions, few studies have described the clinical delivery of PIM within a large academic medical center.ObjectivesTo describe the demographics, clinical characteristics, and interventions utilized within a physician-led, PIM clinic at a large, pediatric academic medical center.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of 2677 outpatient PIM physician office visits (March 2020–September 2023) among 657 pediatric patients (birth-25 years). Data on demographics, diagnoses, interventions, and supplements were extracted from the electronic health record and summarized using descriptive statistics.ResultsPatients (mean age 12.24 ± 5.20 years) were predominantly female (56%) and White (68%). Common conditions included anxiety (59.2%), fatigue (44.4%), headache (43.1%), abdominal pain (33.6%), constipation (33.0%), nausea (31.7%), vitamin D deficiency (30.1%), myofascial pain (29.5%), and depression (26.8%). Key intervention recommendations included dietary changes (61.8%), myofascial self-care interventions (33.8%), massage therapy (21.0%), acupuncture (19.2%), pacing (18.4%), sleep hygiene (18.3%), and exercise (18.1%). Common supplements recommended included probiotics (49.9%), vitamin D (42.6%), multivitamins (41.9%), fish oil (39.4%), magnesium (32.0%), Chinese herbs (29.7%), and melatonin (22.8%).ConclusionPIM can provide whole-person, integrative care within a large academic medical center for pediatric populations with complex presentations. Its self-governed structure within an academic medical center facilitates broad service integration, addressing demands for comprehensive care. Future practice-based research with standardized documentation and outcome measures is needed to understand PIM’s clinical effectiveness.

IntroductionDiabetes mellitus is a significant global health challenge, requiring innovative strategies to improve management and mitigate complications. Digital health technologies offer promising solutions to enhance diabetes self-care by providing real-time feedback, improving communication and supporting data-driven decision-making. Despite the increasing adoption of digital self-care interventions, there is a lack of comprehensive synthesis of evidence on their impact, accessibility and integration into healthcare systems. This scoping review aims to map existing research on digital self-care solutions for diabetes management, identify knowledge gaps and highlight best practices and key factors influencing adoption.Methods and analysisThe review will follow Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and adhere to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A systematic search will be conducted in Medline, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL and Google Scholar, focusing on studies published from January 2004 to December 2024 in English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Slovak and Chinese. Studies reporting on digital self-care solutions for diabetes management will be included, covering experimental and quasi-experimental study designs. Data extraction will cover study and participant characteristics, digital solution features, and barriers and facilitators to adoption. Ethical and equity considerations will also be analysed using established frameworks. Two reviewers will independently screen studies, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer.Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review will provide a comprehensive understanding of digital self-care solutions for diabetes management, offering insights to inform future research and enhance self-care practices globally. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and interest holder engagements to inform clinical practice and policy development. As this study involves the review of existing literature, ethical approval is not required.

Introduction. Valvular heart disease (VHD) is a growing global health issue, particularly among aging populations. Surgical valve replacement improves survival and cardiac function, yet long-term outcomes rely heavily on patient engagement in self-care. Educational interventions may enhance self-care behaviors and improve clinical and psychosocial outcomes; however, evidence remains fragmented. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the characteristics and effectiveness of educational interventions designed to support self-care in patients following cardiac valve replacement. Methods. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL from databases inception up to February 2024. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing educational or behavioral interventions aimed at improving self-care after valve surgery were included. Outcomes were categorized as clinical (e.g., INR stability, complications), behavioral (e.g., medication adherence), or patient-reported (e.g., quality of life). Risk of bias was assessed using the ROB2 tool. Self-care behaviors targeted by interventions were classified according to to Riegel’s Middle Range Theory of Chronic Illness. Results. Six randomized controlled trials involving 537 patients were included in the review. Interventions varied in delivery mode (all face-to-face, some with telephone or digital support), format (individual or group-based), duration, and frequency. All studies targeted self-care monitoring and management, mainly through INR self-monitoring and anticoagulation adherence, while self-care maintenance behaviors such as diet, physical activity, and psychosocial support were less frequently addressed. Interventions improved INR stability, medication adherence, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being, with some evidence for reduced complications and better quality of life. However, reporting was heterogeneous, theoretical frameworks were rarely applied, and cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability were seldom evaluated. Discussion and conclusion. Self-care interventions after valve replacement surgery appear effective in improving anticoagulation control and enhancing psychosocial outcomes. Yet, most programs focus narrowly on anticoagulation, overlooking lifestyle modification and broader recovery needs. Future studies should adopt standardized, theory-driven, and multidimensional approaches, integrate digital health solutions, and evaluate long-term effectiveness and cost-efficiency to ensure sustainable and equitable self-care support.

Introduction. Optimizing a self-care approach to support health maintenance in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AVS) who require minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) before and after the procedure could promote faster and more effective recovery. Additionally, this methodology may improve the perceived health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the patients undergoing treatment, contributing to better overall outcomes through health promotion practices and disease management. This review's primary objective is to investigate self-care's effectiveness in enhancing quality of life. Methods and materials. The literature review protocol follows PRISMA guidelines and uses the PIO framework for search terms. Studies will be identified through significant databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library). Methodological quality and bias risk will be assessed with JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. This review protocol has been registred on PROSPERO (No. CRD420250655531). Results. The emerging findings could potentially contribute to refining current theories on the indications for using self-care interventions to improve the HRQoL of patients undergoing TAVI. Discussion and conclusions. Future implications for research and clinical practice should adopt an increasingly targeted and focused approach in using self-care interventions to enhance the health-related quality of life of patients undergoing TAVI, both in terms of symptom recognition and disease management pre- and post-procedure. This systematic review will comprehensively examine the effects of the implementation of self-care methodologies on improving the quality of life in post-TAVI patients.

Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a patient-centered self-care intervention for adults with coronary heart disease in a low resource setting

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released revised guidelines on self-care interventions for health and well-being, which, in 2022, included recommendations supporting equitable access to information about and availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a self-care strategy. Successful implementation of PrEP as an HIV prevention strategy extends beyond providing access to medication. It hinges on individuals adopting self-care strategies to ensure adherence to PrEP in their daily lives. This paper aims to explore self-care strategies that bolster adherence to oral PrEP among female sex workers in two rural Ugandan settings. Through in-depth interviews with 20 female sex workers residing in fishing communities or Trans-Africa highway towns, we used deductive thematic analysis to explore people-centred and health system-centred perspectives on women’s PrEP-related self-care strategies. A people-centred perspective on self-care illustrated a range of self-care strategies to support PrEP adherence conducted by women individually (medication reminders; pairing PrEP with daily habits), and with support from others in familial and social networks (verbal reminders to take tablets; information sharing; shared clinic visits; shared pill-taking routines). A health system-centred perspective illustrated the importance of support from health services and professionals. Examples included information provision; NGO clinics as friendly, safe, non-judgemental spaces; PrEP distribution through home-based care outreach strategies; in-bulk PrEP provision for work-related travel periods; formal integration of female sex workers into the system as peer health workers. By considering both person-centred and health system-centred perspectives on self-care, we can pinpoint strategies for health systems to assist female sex workers and their communities in preventing the acquisition and transmission of HIV.

This paper sought to identify and describe the innovations and adaptations implemented to ensure delivery of Sexual and Reproductive Health services during the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential for enhancing SRH services in other settings or in future emergencies. We searched five databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL. The review was registered on Prospero (CRD42022329411). The open call was launched and promoted widely; each submission was screened by five independent reviewers. The GRADE-CERQual methodology was used to assess confidence in each study finding. A thematic synthesis approach was employed for textual data and for studies with similar outcomes, a fixed effects model was employed. We identified 10,891 citations and 78 studies were included. We received 80 submissions to the open call, and 18 submissions contributed to the study findings. Submissions came from 42 countries, most of which were LMICs (37/42). Telemedicine was one main mode of continuing SRH services during the pandemic (moderate certainty). Teleabortion, or the provision of medication abortion remotely via telemedicine, was found to be a safe and effective way to maintain abortion service (97·9% of cases with 95% CI = 95·6 to 99·4%). However, increased reliance on telemedicine exacerbates inequities for low-income and rural populations. Self-care and self-testing enabled individuals to receive care for STIs (moderate certainty). This work identified strategies used to deliver SRH services during COVID-19 and the data suggest that many strategies relied on telemedicine to sustain SRH services. Self-care interventions were also used to sustain delivery of SRH services. There is need for further research to understand the long-term impact of these interventions and how they can be sustained over time.

Self-care is essential in the management of chronic illness. In 2012, we published a middle-range theory addressing self-care as a process of maintaining health through health-promoting practices and managing chronic illness. Three key concepts in the theory were self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management. Self-care maintenance refers to those behaviors performed to improve well-being, preserve health, or maintain physical and emotional stability. Self-care monitoring is the process of routine vigilant surveillance, self-awareness, and body monitoring or body listening. Self-care management involves the response to signs and symptoms when they occur. In 2019, we updated the theory, specifying the important contribution of symptoms to self-care. Assumptions and propositions of the theory were specified in the original publication; both are expanded in this update. Here, we update the theory to reflect changes in our thinking and what has been learned from published literature and discussions with others. An important addition is a detailed discussion of 6 essential intrapersonal requirements for self-care: experience, knowledge, skills, reflection, decision-making, and motivation. These requirements interact dynamically; the order in which they are presented is not meant to reflect the order in which they are developed. These factors are particularly important in guiding the development of self-care interventions. Readers can now refer to this version instead of the 2012 publication.

To compare active upper-limb therapies for children with cerebral palsy using a network meta-analysis. For this systematic review, five electronic databases were searched up to 2nd September 2024. Outcomes pertaining to improved hand use (Assisting Hand Assessment, AHA), goal attainment (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, COPM), and self-care were analysed with therapies classified into 15 discrete categories. Quantitative analysis of 48 randomized controlled trials (n = 1629) was performed. Compared with control, treatment effect on hand function (AHA mean difference, standard error) was greater for bimanual therapy (BiM: 4.6, 1.0), modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT; 4.0, 1.0), goal-directed therapy (GDT; 3.8, 1.6), action observation (4.9, 1.1), and mCIMT + intensive (7.4, 2.5). For COPM performance, treatment effect was greater for cognitive orientation to occupational performance (CO-OP; 5.9, 1.4), BiM (3.3, 0.4), mCIMT (2.5, 0.5), GDT (2.3, 0.7), mirror therapy (2.6, 1.2), and mCIMT + GDT (4.2, 1.1). For self-care, treatment effect (standardized mean difference, standard error) was greater for BiM (0.39, 0.10), mCIMT (0.37, 0.08), and mCIMT + GDT (0.43, 0.32). BiM and mCIMT were confirmed as effective interventions for hand function, self-care, and individual goal achievement. Mirror therapy, CO-OP, and four different combination approaches feature single studies, small sample sizes, and high risk of bias, requiring further clinical trials to confirm efficacy.

Effectiveness of self-care interventions for the prevention of type 2 diabetes among women with previous gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Joint contractures can lead to significant limitations in participation in activities of daily living and functional mobility. However, evidence regarding occupational therapy self-care interventions for children diagnosed with amyoplasia is limited. To provide a detailed observational description of self-care-focused interventions for the pediatric population with amyoplasia. A retrospective case-series design was used to describe a week-long bout of rehabilitation completed to address functional skills. A pediatric outpatient orthopedic specialty hospital. Three case series participants were included. Participants were ages 7 to 15 yr, diagnosed with amyoplasia, and completed a week-long bout of therapy. Five 90-min visits on consecutive days, including evaluation and discharge visits, targeted occupational performance. Interventions addressed assistive technology (AT) use, caregiver education, and environmental modifications. Clients completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the FIM® or Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM®) at the evaluation and discharge visits to determine changes in independence in completing self-care skills. All three clients experienced improvements in independence to complete self-care skills. Participants' COPM scores increased from evaluation to discharge. Similarly, FIM and WeeFIM scores indicated improved levels of independence related to targeted goals. It is important to note that changes in outcome measures were only assessed immediately after the therapy episode; longitudinal changes were not tracked. The findings emphasize the importance of interventions focused on AT, environmental modifications, and caregiver education to address performance of daily activities of children diagnosed with amyoplasia. Plain-Language Summary: The case series adds evidence regarding the importance of occupational therapy in targeting self-care interventions with children diagnosed with amyoplasia. Short consecutive occupational therapy sessions may improve clients' awareness of assistive technology and environmental modifications. A combination of low and high technology may be vital for improving occupational performance in this population. Additionally, it is important for occupational therapy practitioners to address caregiver education throughout sessions to increase carryover of skills and techniques. Practitioners working with clients with amyoplasia should understand pediatric development in addition to body functions and structures to ensure interventions are appropriate, attainable, and meaningful. This information can guide clinical interventions and occupational therapy didactic education, as well as influence future prospective studies regarding this specific population.

Mental health is a critical yet often underemphasized dimension in the management of individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), who are at elevated risk for psychological disorders. Educational interventions, including traditional education, psychoeducational, and psychosocial programs, are increasingly recognized as supporting self-care and promoting psychological well-being. This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing literature on educational programs for individuals with T1DM, with a specific focus on their impact on mental health outcomes. The review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and guided by the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework. A comprehensive search was performed across six major biomedical databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO), including studies that examined educational interventions addressing mental health in individuals with T1DM. A total of 18 studies were included, covering a range of educational interventions, such as digital tools, psychological therapies (e.g., ACT, CBT), and self-care interventions, most of which were delivered by multidisciplinary teams. Many interventions demonstrated positive effects on mental health, including reduced anxiety, enhanced mood, and improved self-management. Key facilitators included professional support, peer involvement, and the integration of psychological components. Barriers included high dropout rates and limited tailoring to age-specific needs. Educational interventions can positively influence mental health outcomes in individuals with T1DM. However, the literature remains fragmented, and program effectiveness varies. There is a pressing need for more flexible, personalized, and age-sensitive educational interventions that incorporate emotional and psychological support and address implementation challenges.

Background: Interventions to promote heart failure self-care may be tailored to self-care needs, which are as yet unknown for patients with heart failure in Austria. Aims: To describe the self-care needs of Austrian inpatients with heart failure and to examine the relationship of self-care with health-related quality of life, age, and living arrangement. Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study was conducted at a university hospital. A convenience sample of thirty adult inpatients (53.3% female, mean age = 76.13 year) was included, who (2) were previously diagnosed with Heart Failure, (3) were able to speak and read in German language, and (4) gave informed consent. Otherwise eligible patients were excluded if they (1) were diagnosed with a mental disorder (ICD-10-Codes F00-F99), (2) showed signs of disorientation, (3) were living in a nursing facility, (4) suffered from immediately life-threatening or end-stage terminal illness. Self-care needs were assessed with the European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-23). Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: Overall self-care was reported as adequate (Mean = 74.26). Inadequate self-care was reported in 7 out of 9 self-care behaviours. Self-Care was adequate in fluid Intake (Median = 1.0) and medication adherence (Median = 1.0). Participants had a poor to fair health-related quality of life (Median = 36.85) and clinical condition (Median = 43.22). The sample was highly socially limited (Median = 21.87) but had a fair to good self-efficacy (Median = 62.50). Self-Care did not correlate with age, health-related quality, and living arrangements. Conclusions: Self-care needs were identified in all self-care dimensions. Symptom perception, self-care management as well as patients' clinical condition and social limitations should be considered in Self-Care interventions. Health-related quality of life, age, and living arrangement were not identified as self-care needs.