Common illnesses and self-care

Abstract

Self-care has become a topic of widespread interest in recent years. However, few studies of the content and methods of self-care are available to inform health education program design. The present study identified common illnesses that were reported by 258 western university students and how those illnesses were typically cared for. Illness reporting differed significantly by gender, marital status, and perceived health status. Illness treatment differed only for perceived health status. Results suggest that treatment of an illness once self-diagnosed does not differ across groups but that labeling of illnesses does. The suggestion is made that educational programs may need to place greater emphasis on appropriate diagnosis of illness.

Measuring success in a pesticide risk reduction program among migrant farmworkers in Colorado

“…Understanding the beliefs, values, and concerns of a population is one of the first and most important steps in assessing its health needs [Green, 1990]. Findings of this present study were in agreement with the profile of the Mexican-American population found by other researchers [Bundek et al, 1993;Kennedy et al, 1999].…”

Gender Differences in Living with Diabetes Mellitus

“…Another study found that women were found to have a greater interest and concern for diabetes and were more likely to perceive symptoms (17). Women make greater use of diabetes services and have a larger network of people with whom to discuss medical problems (18). Women also report more illnesses than men.…”

Health Perceptions and Behaviors of School-Age Boys and Girls

“…Although a number of studies have examined common illnesses and self-care among both adolescents and adults (Green, 1990;Frey & Denyes, 1989;Wilkinson, Darby, & Mant, 1987), no reports were found regarding self-care practices of children in the management of simple injuries. Frederick and White (1989) examined behavioral intentions related to safety and first aid among third grade students.…”