Explaining the Concept of Self-Care in Adolescents

Introduction: Attention to the health of adolescents is investing in the future of any country and their health improvement depends upon their empowerment in terms of self-care. The purpose of this study was to clarify the concept of self-care from the perspective of adolescents in order to take a step towards improving the health of adolescents and the community. Method: This qualitative study was conducted through content analysis. The study participants consisted of 52 (13-18 years old) adolescents. Data were collected through 10 individual semi-structured in-depth interviews and 7 focus group discussions. The subjects were selected through purposive sampling from among residents of various regions in Tehran, Iran, in 2014. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis method. Results: Data analysis revealed 5 major and 10 minor themes. The themes included healthy nutrition (adhering to a healthy diet, avoiding unhealthy food pattern), physical activity (creating the base for physical activity within the society, creating suitable conditions for physical activity in schools), observance of hygiene (observance of personal hygiene, management to reduce the risks of living in polluted air), sleep (correct pattern of sleep and rest, avoiding the causes of sleep disorders), avoidance of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol (modifying individual risk factors, modifying environmental risk factors). Conclusion: To promote adolescent health, the development of health plans based on self-care by policymakers is essential. Keywords: Adolescent, Health, Self-car