The effect of self-management planning based on the 5A model on self-efficacy in epileptic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction:
Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system and has a high prevalence. Epilepsy sufferers face problems such as isolation and psychological injuries which affect their self-efficacy. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of implementing a self-management program based on the 5A model on the self-efficacy of epilepsy patients.

Material and methods:
It was a quasi-experimental study conducted in 2021-2022. Sampling of patients was done first using a simple random method followed by random allocation to two groups: an intervention (28 people) and a control group (28 people). 5A model training sessions were conducted during five sessions for the intervention group using the WhatsApp application. The collection data tool was the self-efficacy questionnaire in patients with epilepsy. For data analysis, SPSS 21 software and paired and independent samples t-tests were used.

Results:
The results showed that the intervention and control groups were similar in terms of demographic variables, medical history, etc. The results of the paired t-test showed that in the intervention group, the mean self-efficacy of the patients at two months after the intervention compared to before the intervention was statistically significantly different (p = 0.003). The result of the independent t-test showed that two months after the intervention, there was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in mean self-efficacy (p = 0.001).

Conclusions:
The findings showed that the 5A model self-management program led to improved self-efficacy in epilepsy patients. Therefore, using appropriate interventions, it is possible to improve the management of problems and functional activity of patients.