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Study aim
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This study aims to investigate the effect of self-care education based on Orem's theory on self-care behaviors and quality of life of patients after bariatric surgery.
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Design
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This study is a randomized, double-blind, single-center, phase II clinical trial with two parallel groups. Randomization will be performed using a block method and concealed allocation by an independent investigator using a random number table. On 50 patients
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Settings and conduct
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The study will take place at Aram Hospital, Karaj, bariatric surgery department. Participants will be recruited, consented, and randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. Blinding is not possible due to the educational intervention, but outcome assessments will be done by a blinded independent assessor.
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Participants/Inclusion and exclusion criteria
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Inclusion criteria: patients aged 30 to 50 years, who underwent bariatric surgery (e.g., sleeve gastrectomy), with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m², and willing and able to participate in the intervention.
Exclusion criteria: cognitive or learning difficulties, non-participation in at least two sessions, and diagnosed chronic psychiatric disorders (e.g., severe depression or uncontrolled anxiety) that may interfere with study outcomes.
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Intervention groups
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The intervention group will receive a culturally adapted, structured self-care educational program based on Orem’s theory, tailored to the needs of Iranian patients post-bariatric surgery. The control group will receive routine post-operative care, including standard medical and nursing advice on nutrition, medication adherence, wound care, and follow-up plans.
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Main outcome variables
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Self-care behaviors and quality of life after surgery.