Development and effects of salutogenesis program for adolescents with moyamoya disease: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Disease-specific interventions for management and health behavior implementation are needed to improve the health and quality of life of adolescents with moyamoya disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a program for adolescents with moyamoya disease based on the salutogenesis theory, which focuses on the process of enhancing health through successful adaptation to external stressors, and to evaluate its effectiveness. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was performed according to the CONSORT guidelines. This preliminary research and experimental treatment were conducted at a Severance Hospital ward and outpatient clinic among 48 participants randomized into the intervention (seven sessions of salutogenesis program, n = 24) or the control group (one session of one-to-one moyamoya disease education program, n = 24) from September 6, 2018 to January 4, 2019. Changes in the following study outcomes were reported: “knowledge of moyamoya disease,” “social support,” “sense of coherence,” “moyamoya disease health behavior,” “stress,” “depression,” “subjective health status,” “frequency of ischemic symptoms,” and “quality of life”. RESULTS: The salutogenesis program improved the knowledge and social support of adolescents with illness-related problems and helped them attain healthy behaviors and stress reduction. It was confirmed to be effective in improving their quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The salutogenesis program for adolescents with moyamoya disease effectively improved the generalized resistance resources and sense of coherence in adolescents with moyamoya disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Korean Clinical Research Information Service registry, KCT0006869.