Self-care: An effective strategy to manage chronic diseases

Abstract

The increase in life expectancy and an aging demographic have led to a surge in chronic diseases, presenting substantial challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Chronic conditions are characterized by their long-term nature, recurrence and incurability, necessitating effective management strategies. This paper aims to explore the concept of self-care as a pivotal element in chronic disease management, examining its evolution, components and the role of caregivers in facilitating self-care practices. It also seeks to review the development of instruments for measuring self-care and discuss recent experimental research on self-care interventions. Self-care is an essential strategy for managing chronic diseases, involving maintenance, monitoring and management practices influenced by various personal and environmental factors. Caregivers play a vital role in supporting self-care, especially within certain cultural contexts. The development of reliable and valid instruments to measure self-care is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of the interventions. Recent trials, such as those focusing on motivational interviewing and virtual reality, show promise in improving self-care behaviors and patient outcomes. This paper advocates for the design of tailored, evidence-based interventions and highlights the potential of artificial intelligence in advancing self-care research. Future studies should continue to explore the dyadic dynamics between patients and caregivers and include economic evaluations to inform clinical decision-making.