Self-care model application to improve self-care agency, self-care activities, and quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the effect of the application of a self-care model to improve self-care agency (SCA), self-care operation, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: This study employed a pre-experimental design with one pretest-posttest group. Thirty-six respondents were selected through total sampling. The experimental group was provided self-care management training, followed by four weekly home visits. Self-care agency was measured with the self-care agency scale, the other variables through self-rated abilities on the health practices scale and Lupus quality inventory. Data were analysed using paired t-tests with α < 0.05. RESULTS: SLE was common in actively working married women of childbearing age, most of whom had had SLE for 1–2 years (33.3%), with arthritis being the most common symptom (reported by 61.1%). The major flare trigger factor was physical stress (66.7%), resulting in fatigue. On average, the self-care model was able to improve SCA by 19.93%, self-care operation by 17.53%, and QoL by 12.19%. It was significantly effective in enhancing SCA, self-care operation, and QoL in patients with SLE (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The application of Orem's self-care model is effective in improving SCA, self-care, and QoL, and this study provides evidence of the benefits of its use in the nursing care of patients with SLE in a community setting. Health care providers should incorporate Orem's self-care model in nursing care to enhance SCA, self-care, and QoL in patients with SLE.