1097 Education Intervention Improves Sedative Use for Healthy Sleep & Insomnia Management

Abstract Introduction Individuals with higher self-efficacy in managing their hypnotics and sedatives use are more likely to adhere to prescribed dosages, follow recommended guidelines, and make necessary behavioral changes. Self-efficacy also influences an individual's decision-making regarding their health and treatment regimen. Misuse or improper use of sedatives and hypnotics poses risks such as dependency, adverse effects, and potential addiction. Enhancing patients' self-efficacy in handling their medication intake could potentially mitigate these risks and promote safer usage. Methods The study was a single-arm interventional pre-and post-assessment study conducted nationwide in eight counties. The intervention was a well-consensus health education program. A self-report five-item questionnaire with good psychometrics (0.8 expert content validity and 0.9 internal consistency reliability) assessed the self-efficacy of proper use of hypnotics and sedatives. Results Eight institutions across different regions recruited 875 participants comprising elderly (n=337, 38.5%), workers from high-risk workplaces (n=415, 47.4%), native aborigines (n=95, 10.9%), youths (n=117, 13.4%) and others. The participants aged 58.3 ± 17.6 years and half were male (n=447, 51.1%). The self-efficacy of using hypnotics and sedatives was significantly improved after the educational interventions (the changed scores 0.16 ± 0.45, p <.001). After the educational intervention, the participants could re-establish their bedtime routine (e.g., a calmy environment, no 3Cs use), express their sleep disturbance to the physician, learn the medications comprehensively, and keep adherent to the treatment regions, etc. Conclusion The intervention, which focused on improving the self-efficacy of proper use of hypnotics and sedatives, resulted in a notable enhancement in participants' abilities. A statistically significant improvement was observed in their self-efficacy scores post-intervention, indicating a positive impact of the educational program. Notably, participants exhibited an improved capacity to re-establish healthy bedtime routines. Additionally, they demonstrated better communication with healthcare professionals regarding sleep disturbances, a comprehensive understanding of medications, and increased adherence to prescribed treatment regimens. Support (if any)