Self-Care Deficit in Older Men During COVID-19
The first part of this research paper examines a study analyzing the self-care deficit among older men during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and discusses the nursing implications (Muniz et al., 2022). Its main purpose is to analyze the self-care deficit of a vulnerable group of older men from different socioeconomic backgrounds. In such extreme conditions as the pandemic, they faced various challenges in maintaining their health.
The aim is to understand how men provide self-care during this period and to help nurses implement appropriate support methods. Limited access to healthcare facilities and social isolation affected the group’s well-being. Using the concept of interest, researchers discovered how older men practiced meditation, formed affective bonds, and engaged in remote consultations to enhance their state.
The researchers examined these concepts referring to Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory. This framework helped them to identify the extent to which men were able to take care of themselves and reflect on deficits, requirements, and interventions needed to improve patient outcomes (Hartweg & Metcalfe, 2021). For their study, the authors chose a qualitative design. To collect the required data, they used a web survey.
The researchers reached out to 120 older men via an application form posted from April to June 2020 and from April to August 2021 (Muniz et al., 2022, p. 1). The survey used open-ended questions and required detailed responses regarding participants’ self-care practices during the pandemic. Using qualitative research, the authors were provided with comprehensive insights and a nuanced understanding of the patient’s experience.
Reflecting on the survey results, researchers identified two themes: the skills of self-care incorporation and therapeutic support for vulnerable groups. The study revealed how older men try to manage the critical period by practicing meditation and remote consultations. Researchers identified that men sought support from family and society and found it in healthcare staff (Muniz et al., 2022). Consequently, the second theme emphasized the implementation of public support systems. The initiatives should include total or partial compensatory and educational training. The thematic analysis highlighted the importance of nursing interventions and support networks to promote self-care among vulnerable groups of men.
Effect of Self-Care Education on Hypertensive Patients
The second research study focuses on an article that analyzed the effect of self-care education on patients with hypertension. The main purpose of this quasi-experimental study is to investigate how self-care training, guided by Orem’s Nursing Theory, influences the quality of life and self-efficacy of people diagnosed with hypertension (Khademian et al., 2020). The concept of interest is the design of a well-structured educational program to enhance patients’ knowledge regarding the proper management of their illness. The researchers incorporated Orem’s theoretical framework to identify people’s ability to manage their condition and the self-care practices they used. The theory helped develop an appropriate and efficient training structure.
To operationally define the concept of interest, the authors used quantitative research methods. They selected 80 patients and divided them into two groups: control and experimental (Khademian et al., 2020). The research collected measurable statistical data to test the shifts in patients’ quality of life.
To conduct the survey, the authors used basic questionnaires such as “Quality of Life of Cardiac Patients” and “Strategies Used by People to Promote Health” (Khademian et al., 2020, p. 1). The exact statistical evidence helped the researchers develop an appropriate structured educational training program for patients with hypertension. This program consisted of teaching sessions on condition-management skills, dietary and activity modifications, and stress-relieving practices.
The two themes derived from the study are improvements in quality of life and shifts in self-efficacy. As for the first one, the article indicated that additional knowledge about how to cope with hypertension positively influences participants’ quality of life (Khademian et al., 2020). However, there were no noticeable changes in self-efficacy scores between the two groups. While education programs based on Orem’s theory were effective for the first issue, the common perception of the condition did not change. The surveyed patient still did not feel confident managing their illness.
Summary
Overall, the main aim of the research was to examine how older men manage the challenges of the pandemic and how nurses can enhance their experience. The qualitative research approach enables the collection of necessary data on participants’ approaches to self-care and yields valuable insights into how to improve their well-being. Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory framework was used in the study to provide a comprehensive understanding of self-care requirements at every stage of the research.
The purpose of the second research was to discover how the development of self-education programs can enhance the quality of life and self-efficacy of people who suffer from hypertension. The research was based on Nursing Theory, created by Dorothea Orem, which guided the progress and implementation of the training. The study identified two significant themes: positive shifts in patients’ perceptions of life and a lack of change in self-efficacy.
References
Hartweg, D. L., & Metcalfe, S. A. (2022). Orem’s self-care deficit nursing theory: relevance and need for refinement. Nursing Science Quarterly, 35(1), 70-76.
Khademian, Z., Kazemi Ara, F., & Gholamzadeh, S. (2020). The Effect of Self Care Education Based on Orem’s Nursing Theory on Quality of Life and Self-Efficacy in Patients with Hypertension: A Quasi-Experimental Study. International Journal of Community Based Nursing and Midwifery, 8(2), 140–149.
Muniz, V. O., Braga, L. C. A., Araujo, P. O., Santana, P. P. C., Pereira, G. S., Sousa, A. R., Pedreira, L. C., & Carvalho, E. S. S. (2022). Self-care deficit among older men in the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for nursing. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 75Suppl 4(Suppl 4).