Measurement of Orem’s Basic Conditioning Factors: A Review of Published Research

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to examine published research on basic conditioning factors described in Orem's self-care deficit theory of nursing, in order to identify operational definitions, measurement strategies, and the results of the analyses. Thirty-five research articles published between 1987 and 1997 met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Consensus or lack of consensus in operational definitions for specific factors was determined and successful measurement methods were identified. Recommendations are made for revising conceptual and operational definitions. Suggested measurement strategies for the factors are discussed.

Self‐care agency and factors related to this agency among patients with hypertension

“…Orem's Self‐Care Deficit Theory of Nursing provides a valuable approach to disease prevention and health promotion by healthcare recipients and healthcare providers. Orem's Self‐Care Deficit Theory of Nursing focuses on improving individuals’ self‐care performance, reducing healthcare costs, improving the quality of the care and better patient outcome (Moore & Pichler 2000). In the light of this core, promotion of self‐care agency is important and necessary in the protection and provision of quality of life besides the continuation and adaptation of the treatment without probable complications in patients with hypertension (Aish & Isenberg 1996, Lukkarinen & Hentinen 1997).…”

Self-Care Among Chronically Ill African Americans: Culture, Health Disparities, and Health Insurance Status

“…Although indigenous traditions of self-care were present among African Americans from their arrival in the United States, 6 civil rights emancipatory projects focused on protesting the exclusionary, dehumanizing, and stratified nature of medical particularly influential and is the subject of ongoing empirical refinement and investigations of cross-cultural applicability. [16][17][18][19] Orem defined self-care as learned behavior that was purposeful, with patterned and sequenced actions, and suggested that individuals acquire the capacity for self-care during childhood, principally in the family, where cultural standards are learned and transmitted intergenerationally. 15(p95) She observed that self-care develops throughout the life course, and that such behavior varies according to an individual's group affiliation in habits, beliefs, and practices that constitute a cultural way of life.…”

Basic Conditioning Factors' Influences on Adolescents' Healthy Behaviors, Self-Efficacy, and Self-Care

“…The demographic questionnaire used in this study included items that assessed age, gender, grade, family structure, number of siblings, support system, education of parents, employment of self and parents, race, practice of religion, adequacy of income, adequacy of health insurance, adequacy of living conditions, and medical problems/disabilities. These questions were developed based on a report by Moore & Pichler (2000), who found the least measured basic conditioning factors to be pattern of living, resource availability, developmental state, environmental state, and healthcare system factors. The statistically significant relationships between these basic conditioning factors and the concepts of health-promoting self-care behaviors, self-care self-efficacy, and self-care agency are reported in this study.…”