Analysis of self-management behaviors and related factors in patients with postherpetic neuralgia: A multidimensional...

This study aimed to evaluate the current state of self-management behaviors among patients suffering from postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and to ascertain the principal determinants of these behaviors.

From March to July 2024, 268 PHN inpatients were enlisted from the Pain Department of Guizhou Medical University Hospital through a convenience sampling method. Data were gathered utilizing a general information questionnaire, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FPQ), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and Chronic Disease Self-Management Behavior Scale (CDSMBS). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multivariate stepwise linear regression were applied to scrutinize the prevailing conditions and influencing factors of self-management behaviors in these patients.

The aggregate score for self-management behaviors among the 268 PHN patients was notably low, averaging 22.33±7.85, indicative of deficient self-management. The correlation analysis indicated a strong negative correlation between fear of pain and both psychological resilience (r= -0.462), and social support (r= -0.552), as well as with self-management behaviors (r= -0.460) (all P < 0.001). Conversely, psychological resilience showed a positive correlation with social support (r = 0.409) and self-management behaviors (r = 0.622) (all P < 0.001). Social support also exhibited a positive correlation with self-management behaviors (r = 0.412, P < 0.001). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that 66.7% of the variance in self-management behaviors among PHN patients could be attributed to factors including post-fading hyperpigmentation of the rash, smoking status, age, fear of pain, psychological resilience, and social support (P < 0.05).

Self-management behaviors among PHN patients are at a low level. Psychological resilience and social support positively influence self-management behaviors. Healthcare professionals can encourage the improvement of these behaviors through positive psychological interventions, assisting patients in setting achievable milestones, and helping them build social support networks.