Abstract

MUHLARE, Mukelani L.  and  DOWNING, Charlene. Self-care behaviours and practices of professional nurses working in primary health care clinics. Afr. j. prim. health care fam. med. (Online) [online]. 2023, vol.15, n.1, pp.1-7. ISSN 2071-2936.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v15i1.4188.

BACKGROUND: Historically, the nursing profession focused on caring for patients, families and communities but neglected aspects of self-care. Self-care is essential for nurses, as it could impact the quality of care nurses render to patients. AIM: This article investigated professional nurses' self-care behaviours and practices in primary health care clinics. SETTING: The study was conducted at selected primary health care facilities (clinics) in regions C and D of the city of Johannesburg, Gauteng. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive research survey. Stratified random sampling was used to select respondents. A demographic questionnaire, Self-Care Activities Screening Scale (SASS-14), Nature of Supportive Work Environment questionnaire and Self-Care Work and Home Environmental Factors (SWHEF) questionnaire were combined as the data collection instrument for this study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the collected data. RESULTS: The finding revealed health consciousness: 86.6% of professional nurses were alert to changes in their health, and 75.2% constantly examined their health. The average professional nurse slept only 7-8 h every day. While 59.4% of professional nurses who participated in the study seldom ate healthy foods (i.e. foods with less sugar, salt, fried snacks or pre-cooked food), 71.7% rarely ate three fruits and two portions of vegetables daily. Only 57.4% of professional nurses regularly drank eight recommended glasses of water daily CONCLUSION: According to the findings, primary health care nurses must prioritise self-care and work in supportive environments. CONTRIBUTION: The study acknowledged the need to promote self-care and supportive work environments for professional nurses in primary health care setting.

Keywords : behaviour; Orem's self-care theory; practices; professional nurses; primary health care; self-care.

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