PURPOSE: Self-care refer to the activities and practices performed and initiated by an individual on one's behalf in maintaining life, health and well-being. Maintenance of self-care requires use of special skills and scientific knowledge into which nursing plays a vital role in designing and implementation of the plan of care. Literatures have shown that nurses' support to existing older persons' capabilities promote active participation and responsibility for his or her own self-care. Promotion of self -care reduces problems resulting from reactions of older persons in unnecessary dependent roles. Community nurses of Makasar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia in their task of providing health service of older persons have limited data on characteristics of older persons seeking care, and the common symptom experiences of older persons. Knowledge of the interplay of these factors are important to provide better health services. The objective of the research is to determine the relationship between predisposing factors known as basic conditioning factors (age, gender, marital status, educational level, occupation, living arrangement and common symptoms experience) and the experiences (knowledge, attitude, practice) on self-care of older persons.
METHOD: A descriptive correlational research design was used. The sample consisted of 98 Makassarese older persons who live in Paropo Village, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Survey questionnaire was used for the profile of the respondents and the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on self- care. There were seven (7) who participated in the focus group discussion (FGD). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The relationship between basic conditioning factors and KAP on self-care of older persons was determined. Appropriate processes for ethical consideration was done.
RESULTS: The results of the study showed that the mean age of Makassarese older persons is 71 years, more females, mostly married, widow, not completed elementary school, not working, and living with their children. The common symptom experiences were: joint pains, low back pain; vision problem, myalgia. As to KAP on self-care, Makassarese older persons have fair knowledge, positive attitude, and low level of practice on self- care. There is significant relationship between knowledge on self-care and education, attitude on self-care and common symptom experiences, practice on self-care and age, gender and education. FGD on practice of self-care showed the following. To stay healthy because of chronic ilness, such as, diabetes and hypertension and to deal with other health problems( e.g. toothache, diarrhea), they resorted to selfremedies and prayer,consuming soft diet, reducing salty and sweet food. Nurses were perceived as important in giving information on health care.
CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the interplay of basic conditioning factors and self-care practices among older persons guide nurses on better and effective nursing care towards self-care. Support in terms of education on self-care for older persons have to consider the basic conditioning factors, and the common symptom experiences of older person to help reduce dependency for their health needs.