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Discussion
The first hypothesis was that in experimental group, the self-care ability scores of the
patients after participating in the self-help group would be higher than the scores before
participating in the self-help group.
The study shows statistically significant difference between pre and post self-care ability
score within the experimental group (p-value=0.012) and was consistent with the first hypothesis. This
might be explained that the participation in self-help group provided the opportunity for members to
share/discuss about their experiences and knowledge. These enabled the patients to get practical
information and efficiency ways of copying the problem. [10] The result of our study was also
consistent with the study conducted by Lambado, et al. about a self-help group in the patients with
skin disease showed that after participated in the self-help group the patients were more compliant to
treatment than before participating in the group. In addition, the patients feel proud that they can
provide suggestion to other members. [11] Similarly, a study conducted by Powwattana A. about the
effectiveness of participation in self-help group on self-care in patients with essential hypertension at
Chiangraiprachanukrur Hospital found that the patients who participated in self-help group had gained
a significantly better self-care than the regular advice control group (p-value<0.001). [12]
The second hypothesis was that at post experiment (post-test), the self-care ability
scores of the patients in the experimental group (Self-help group; SHG) was higher than the self-
care ability of the patients in control group (receiving the instruction for psoriasis patients as per
clinical practice guideline; CPG).
There was no statistically significant difference of self-care ability score for pre-test between
the experimental group and the control group (p-value=0.4). As a result, the patients’ characteristics
between the experimental and control group, such as gender, age, education level, duration of
psoriasis disease and the location of psoriasis rash were balanced by the block randomization design.
After experiment shows that statistical difference of self-care ability score post study
between the experimental group and the control group (p-value=0.009). The result was consistent with
the second hypothesis.
A possible reason that the experimental group had the self-care ability better than the
control group is that the members received the mutual help support and encouragement from other
members in order to efficiently handle the problem. [13] The researcher employed circular seating
arrangement to build good meeting environments and relationship with each other because use of
