Effects of a Theory-Based Care Plan Based on Roy's Adaptation Model on the Self-Esteem of Patients with Substance-Dependent Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective(s): Substance abuse and its prevalence is one of the main concerns of healthcare systems. Impaired self-esteem resulting from maladaptation is one of the important causes of deviant behaviors such as substance abuse. On the other hand, in a vicious cycle, drug addiction is directly related to impairment in self-esteem. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of a theory-based care program based on the "Roy" adaptation model on the self-esteem of those suffering from substance-dependent disorders. Methods: In 2024, a randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted at Modares Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, involving 60 patients with substance-related disorders receiving maintenance methadone treatment, admitted to the addiction wards of the hospital. The participants were divided into two groups: the intervention group (n=30) and the control group (n=30) using random sequence generation software. A one-month nursing care program based on the "Roy" adaptation model was provided for the intervention group, while the control group received routine treatments. Data was collected using the Cooper Smith's self-esteem Questionnaire, and SPSS version 26 software was used for analysis, utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results showed that in the intervention group, the average self-esteem score increased significantly after the intervention (p<0.001). Also, before the intervention, the average score of self-esteem in the intervention and control groups was not significantly different (p>0.05), while after the intervention it was significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that the nursing care program based on the "Roy" adaptation model is effective in increasing the self-esteem level of individuals undergoing treatment for drug addiction. Therefore, this model and other conventional therapies can provide a suitable framework in care provision for such patients. © 2026, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research. All rights reserved.