2017 Volume 37 Pages 209-215
Aim: This study was conducted to produce a constructive concept of self-care for mentally handicapped persons in a community.
Methods: We identified the concept using concept analysis methods developed by Rodgers & Knafl (2000) as a reference. Three databases were searched: Ichushi Web, MEDLINE, CINAHL Articles. Search terms included: “mental illness” or “mental disorder” or “psychiatric illness” or “psychiatric disorder” and “self care” or “self-management”.
Results: Analysis of 42 reports of the relevant literature revealed a definition of self-care for people with mental disability in a community. It includes actions to build a foundation for life, live it, and improve quality of life (QOL), with maintenance and improvement of mental and physical health, change of self-concept, participation in society, and QOL improvement by continuing community life.
Conclusion: The self-care concept extracted this time is useful as an index to assess self-care and to provide necessary and desired support to realize ways of life and living.