Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory was used to inform hypotheses of associations between perceived severity of illness, working memory and self-care among adults (>45 years of age) with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Working memory capacity was examined as a foundational capability using Orem's theory. Measures include the modified Diabetes Care Profile section on Health Status Composite (HSC) providing information on severity of illness, the Working Memory Index (WMI) from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III), the Self-Care Inventory Revised (SCI-R) and hemoglobin A1c. Sixty-seven adults with a mean age of 62.9 years who were primarily Caucasian (92.5%) were involved. There were 30 men and 37 women. Mean body mass index was 35.11 reflecting the majority of participants were obese. Findings indicate that HSC is significantly associated with WMI (r = .54, p < .01) and associated with both indicators of self-care, the SCI-R and HgA1c (r = .23, p<.05, r = -.37, p < .01). Working memory was examined as a mediator between severity of illness and the indicators of self-care (SCI-R and HgA1c) with no evidence for mediation. Findings are discussed in relationship to Orem's Theory of Self-Care Deficit.

No description available.

An experimental design was employed to determine the knowledge gained through use of written Wound Healing Fact Sheets. The study sample consisted of 30 postoperative patients recruited from the accessible population of abdominal and chest surgery patients. Subjects were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Experimental subjects were interviewed, received the Fact Sheets and underwent knowledge testing prior to discharge and by telephone approximately one week after discharge. Control subjects did not receive the Fact Sheets but were interviewed and tested identically to the experimental group. Low equivalent reliabilities were demonstrated through use of the KR-20 for the knowledge test. Content validity was established by a panel of three experts. A t-test computed between pre and post test mean scores identified a significant difference in knowledge gained by experimental versus control subjects. Low reliability weakens the significance of this result.

Background: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease and an increasing public health problem. Treatment of type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin injections. Young people living with diabetes may feel that they do not fit in among others of the same age. Aim: Illustrate young people's experiences of living with diabetes type 1. Method: This study was a qualitative literature-based study with an inductive approach. The result was based on 10 qualitative scientific articles. Result: The analysis resulted in three main themes and seven subthemes. The main themes were: To live in a process of adaptation, A buffet of challenges and How the social surroundings impact the life. Conclusion: The results showed that young people who lived with type 1 diabetes felt that they had to adapt their lives to the disease. For young people it was also important to become independent in their illness. It was obvious that living with type 1 diabetes was an experience of both physical and mental challenge, and the people in the studies expressed a desire to be normal and to be able to compare themselves with others. The social surroundings had a clear impact in many ways, though the support from the environment was perceived as valuable. / Diabetes typ 1 är en ständigt ökande folksjukdom som ofta drabbar unga människor. Diabetes typ 1 är en kronisk ämnesomsättningssjukdom som ställer krav på den unga individen och skapar utmaningar i vardagen. Unga som lever med diabetes påverkas av sin omgivning och är i behov av stöd på olika sätt. Diabetes innebär att individen ständigt har förhöjda blodsockernivåer, till följd av brist på insulin. Unga människor lever i en turbulent period av livet, och att leva med en kronisk sjukdom kan förhindra en utveckling av den egna identiteten. Egenvården upplevs som en viktig del på vägen mot självständighet hos de unga, och sjuksköterskan har en central del i att hjälpa den unga individen att främja hälsa. Syftet är att belysa unga människors upplevelse av att leva med diabetes typ 1. Tio kvalitativa vetenskapliga artiklar har använts som material i resultatet. Resultatet visar att sjukdomen kräver en anpassning av livet. Det är en dragkamp om ansvaret för sjukdomen mellan de unga och deras föräldrar, då självständighet anses viktigt av unga människor för att uppnå frihet, vilket relateras till begreppen livsvärld och hälsa. De unga upplevde både känslomässiga och praktiska utmaningar i livet med diabetes, vilket diskuteras i relation till livskvalitet. En önskan om att få vara normal och kunna jämföra sig med andra i samma ålder finns, eftersom det är en betydande del i de ungas sökande efter en egen identitet. De unga anser att omgivningen påverkar dem på olika sätt, stödet från vänner och familj upplevs som betydelsefullt.

Bakgrund: Egenvård innebar att vidta åtgärder så sjukdomen inte förvärrades eller för att tidigt upptäcka försämring. Hjärtsjukdom innebar förändringar i hjärtat eller dess blodkärl, som kunde vara till exempel sjukdomar som hjärtsvikt och kranskärlsjukdom. I Sverige minskade insjuknandet i hjärtsjukdom men inte dödligheten vilket gjorde patienter med hjärtsjukdom till en patientgrupp som ökade. Livskvalitet sågs som ett subjektivt begrepp som förändrades över tid trots att det fanns många vedertagna instrument för att mäta livskvalité. Syfte: Syftet med denna litteraturstudie var att beskriva hur egenvårdsåtgärder påverkar livskvaliteten hos personer med hjärtsjukdom, samt beskriva vilken urvalsmetod de valda artiklarna använt sig av. Metod: I databaserna Cinahl och MEDLINE via Pubmed hittades 13 kvantitativa studier som utgjorde resultatet för denna beskrivande litteraturstudie. Huvudresultat: Resultatet visade att vid interventioner av teknologi sågs signifikant förbättring av den skattade livskvaliteten i en av tre studier. Vid interventioner i form av utbildningsprogram skattades tre av fem studier livskvaliteten signifikant förbättrad. Vid fysisk aktivitet som intervention sågs signifikant förbättring av den skattade livskvaliteten i en av två studier. Vid psykologiska interventioner skattades livskvaliteten signifikant förbättrad i två av två studier. I en jämförande studie skattade de deltagare som använde sig av egenvård sin livskvalité bättre än deltagarna som inte använde sig av egenvård. Slutsats: Resultatet visade ingen konsensus gällande hur egenvårdsåtgärder påverkade livskvaliteten hos personer med hjärtsjukdom, vissa faktorer som relationen och tid kunde vara av betydelse. Mer forskning inom detta område krävs. / Background: Self-care means taking actions so the disease does not get worse or to enable early detection of deterioration. Heart disease involves changes in the heart or its blood vessels, for exampel diseases as heart failure and/or coronary artery disease. In Sweden the onset in heart diseases decreases but not the mortality, making patients with heart diseases increasing. Quality of life is seen as a subjective concept that changes over time, even though there are many accepted instruments to measure quality of life. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe how self-care affects quality of life in people with heart disease, and also to describe the sampling-methods used in the different studies. Method: In the databases CINAHL and MEDLINE by PubMed 13 quantitative studies was found which represented the result of this descriptive literature study. Main Results: The results showed that one of three studies in intervention of technology showed a significant improvement in the estimated quality of life. Studies including interventions of education programs three out of five studies estimated significant improvement of quality of life. Interventions with physical activity showed that one out of two studies reported significant improvement in self-reported quality of life. In psychological interventions, quality of life significantly improved in two of two studies. In a comparative study the participants who used the self-care estimated their quality of life to be better than participants who did not use the self-care. Conclusion: The results showed no consensus regarding how self-care measures affects quality of life in persons with heart disease, certain factors such as relationship and the time passed can be of importance. More research in this area is required.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a complex, costly and debilitating chronic health condition. Symptom recognition and self-care are crucial components of heart failure management; however, many HF patients struggle to perform these behaviors and skills at a proficient level. A transitional care program in the Southwest provides services to heart failure patients. A primary program aim is to help facilitate enhanced symptom recognition and self-care among heart failure patients. This project focuses on the assessment of the impact of such a transitional care program on HF patients' ability to perform symptom recognition and self-care. Methods: Demographic questionnaires were distributed to collect socioeconomic data and clinical characteristics of participants. A pre and post SCHFI survey was completed by participants, and analysis of data performed using a paired t-test. Results: The 15 participants were primarily Hispanic, elderly, and male. The majority of participants reported an annual income less than $10,000, lived in close proximity to the transitional care clinic, reported living with family and/or friends, and had at least one additional comorbidity. There was improvement in self-care maintenance scores following the initial transitional care encounter; however, participants did not achieve self-care adequacy in this domain. Participants also did not achieve self-care adequacy in self-management. Self-confidence scores improved to reach adequacy following the initial transitional care encounter; however, results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: With the complexities of HF self-management, it is not alarming that these patients have continued to struggle with symptom recognition and self-care. Recommendations are made for future research and interventions.

Background: Hypertension is a global health problem that can lead to serious complications such as stroke and congestive heart failure. Nurses' work includes promoting lifestyle changes, motivating, compliance with medication, and providing regular follow-ups to improve blood pressure. More knowledge is needed on which working methods nurses use to promote health and support sustainable lifestyle changes. Aim: To illuminate the nurse's ways of working to promote health through lifestyle changes and self-care in persons with hypertension. Method: A literature review according to Friberg was chosen as the method. Database searches were carried out in CINAHL, PubMed and PsycInfo. Nine scientific articles were included after having been analysed, classified and compiled in an article matrix. Result: The analysis resulted in two main themes and five subthemes. The first theme was Creating change which described how the nurse responded to the patient's specific opportunities, expectations, knowledge needs and motivation for initiating lifestyle change. The second theme was Maintaining change which describes how the nurse guides, promotes and follows up the person to create a sustainable lifestyle change and an improved self-care strategy. Conclusion: The nurse's ways of working to promote health through lifestyle change and self-care in persons with hypertension can be designed in different ways. Regardless of which nursing philosophy lies behind it, it appears that a person-centred approach stimulates the person's motivation for a changed lifestyle through increased participation and responsibility. / Högt blodtryck och konsekvenser av detta är ett stort globalt problem. Livsstilsförändringar är en långsiktig investering i förbättrad hälsa för personer med högt blodtryck. På de flesta kliniker är detta sjuksköterskans arbetsuppgift och då det är viktigt att finna ett bra och fungerande arbetssätt och utgå från den pedagogiska skolning och den träning som behövs för detta. I sjuksköterskans omvårdnadsarbete är hälsa ett centralt begrepp. Sjuksköterskan skall främja hälsa och förhindra ohälsa genom att identifiera och bedöma personens resurser och förmåga till egenvård, delge kunskap, motivera och stödja. I kompetensbeskrivningen för sjuksköterskor tydliggörs även att sjuksköterskan skall bedriva sitt arbete med omsorg och respekt för integritet och värdighet och att sjuksköterskans kompetens och förmåga att tillvarata personens resurser är av betydelse. Utförandet av egenvård stödjs av Orems omvårdnadsteori som grundar sig i att personer skall kunna delta i sin egenvård i så stor utsträckning som möjligt och att personen kan behöva stöd av sjuksköterskan för att kunna göra det. Kunskap, egenansvar och motivation är viktiga byggstenar. Att personen blir delaktig i sin vård och behandling, erhåller kunskap och stöds i att kunna identifiera sin egenvårdsbrist och kapacitet och kan ta beslut för förändring är ett av målen i behandling av hypertoni. Detta är en utmaning för sjuksköterskan och därmed är det viktigt med bra och effektiva arbetssätt för detta finns. Enligt Socialstyrelsen (2018) önskar majoriteten att få diskutera sina levnadsvanor och få stöd till förändring utav dessa före farmakologisk behandling. Därför är det viktigt att sjuksköterskor arbetar med utbildning, rådgivning och uppföljning för att stödja livsstilsförändringar. Litteraturöversiktens resultat visar att sjuksköterskans arbetssätt med att främja livsstilsförändring och egenvård hos personer med hypertoni är en aktiv process som startar med att ge personerna de rätta förutsättningarna för att skapa en livsstilsförändring. Detta kan ske genom att individanpassa det pedagogiska mötet, vilket bygger på en kartläggning av personens tidigare kunskaper, erfarenheter och motivation. Sjuksköterskan kan därigenom möta, ge information och adekvat kunskap på rätt nivå. Motiverande samtal är en metod som stärker personens förmåga till att fatta egna beslut om livsstilsförändringar och egenvård med stöd av sjuksköterskan. Sjuksköterskans utbildningsnivå och bemötande ligger till grund för ett lyckat förändringsarbete. För att nå en mer hållbar förändring används empowerment som arbetssätt för att få personen aktiv i processen genom att känna ett egenansvar för både en kort- och långsiktig förändring.

Estudo correlacional que teve como objetivo analisar os fatores relacionados ao autocuidado de pessoas com diabetes tipo 2. Participaram 252 pessoas que ingressaram no Serviço de Urgência do Hospital Regional Mérida ISSSTE, em 2006. Utilizaram-se seis instrumentos de coleta de dados: um formulário e um questionário contendo as variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e laboratoriais; uma escala de medida de capacidade de autocuidado; três questionários, ou seja, medida de adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso, dietético e de atividade física. Os dados foram obtidos mediante consulta ao prontuário e no domicilio por meio de entrevista dirigida. Para a analise utilizou-se o programa estatistico SPSS, versão 12.0, estatística descritiva univariada, bivariada e correlação. Os resultados mostram predomínio de mulheres (51,8%), a idade média é de 62,88 ± 11,18 anos; casados (81,7%), do lar e aposentados (27,9 e 25,5%), respectivamente; escolaridade média de 9,16 ± 3,94 anos; católicos (65,7%); família nuclear (59%), apoio familiar (84,8%). O peso médio é de 71,39 ± 10,59Kg; altura de 1,51 ± 0,07m; IMC de 31,46 ± 5,41Kg/m2, circunferência abdominal de 113 ± 17,59cm. Pressão arterial sistólica de 126,95 ± 14,26mmHg e diastólica de 83,03 ± 9,35mmHg. O tempo médio de evolução da doença é de 17,53 ± 9,03 anos, com média de internação de 2,30 ± 1,05 vezes. As principais causas de internação foram a hiperglicemia, o pé diabético e a hipoglicemia; e as complicações mais freqüentes foram a hipoglicemia, neuropatia e pé diabético. Os antecedentes familiares referidos foram o diabetes e a hipertensão arterial. Quanto ao tratamento medicamentoso, a maioria utiliza antidiabéticos orais do grupo das sulfonilureas. Em relação ao seguimento da doença, de 78% das pessoas com diabetes tipo 2 que comparecem ao serviço de saúde, 48% o faz a cada 2 meses. Os valores da glicemia capilar foram de 197,29 ± 52,35mg/dl, glicemia plasmática de 209,35 ± 119,02mg/dl; colesterol total de 333,19 ± 69,47mg/dl, LDL de 110,82 ± 25,49mg/dl, HDL de 37,55 ± 5,53mg/dl e triglicerídeos de 184,81 ± 61,40 mg/dl. No que se refere à capacidade de autocuidado obteve-se média de 35,72 ± 3,69 pontos, o que evidenciou capacidade de autocuidado regular dos sujeitos estudados. Quanto à adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso obteve-se a média de 30,08 ± 3,13 pontos, com taxa de adesão de 8,8%; adesão ao tratamento dietético, média de 12,67 ± 1,32 pontos, com taxa de adesão de 8%; e atividade física, média de 2,73 ± 1,53, com taxa de adesão de 5,2%. Houve correlação direta entre capacidade de autocuidado e anos de estudo, controle do diabetes e adesão à atividade física; e correlação inversa entre capacidade de autocuidado e IMC, colesterol total, LDL, religião, tratamento medicamentoso, tempo de evolução da doença e fatores de risco. Conclui-se que face aos resultados obtidos torna-se urgente a implementação das diretrizes propostas pelo Modelo Integrado de Atenção à Saúde (MIDAS) e da Norma Oficial Mexicana 015-SSA2-1994 para a prevenção, tratamento e controle do diabetes com vistas ao desenvolvimento de habilidades de autocuidado das pessoas com diabetes tipo 2 para o manejo da doença. / This is a correlational study; the purpose was to analyze the factors related to selfcare of people with type 2 Diabetes. Participants 252 people with diabetes type 2 who entered the Emergency Department of the Regional Hospital of Merida ISSSTE, 2006. Six instruments were used: a registration form, a questionnaire concerning the sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory variables, a self-care capacity scale, a questionnaire measuring adherence to medical, dietary and physical activity treatment. The information was collected through the review of clinical records and interviews. They were analyzed through the program SPSS Version 12,0, univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics, and correlation. The sample was characteristic by having dominance in women (51.8%), with an average age of 62.88 ± 11.18 years; married (81.7%); predominantly housewives and retirees (27.9 and 25.5%), average schooling of 9.16 ± 3.94 years; catholics (65.7%); with nuclear family (59%), family support (84.8%). The average weight was 71.39 ± 10.59kg, height of 1.51 ± 0.07m, with an IMC of 31,46 ± 5,41Kg/m2, abdominal circumference of 113 ± 17.59cm; the systolic blood pressure of 126.95 ± 14.26mmHg and diastolic of 83.03 ± 9.35mmHg. The average time of evolution was 17.53 ± 9.03 years, until 6 internments with an average of 2.30 ± 1.05, the leading causes of admission were hyperglycemia, diabetic foot and hypoglycemia. They have hypoglycemia, neuropathy and diabetic foot as major complications with a history of diabetes and hypertension, risk factors present in the majority; they use oral antidiabetic agents, mainly sulfonylureas, and 78% of people who go to the doctor, 48% it does every two months. The average values monitoring of blood glucose was 197.29 ± 52.35 mg/dl, plasma glycemic 209.35 ± 119.02 mg/dl; total cholesterol from 333,19 ± 69,47mg/dl, LDL from 110.82 ± 25.49 mg/dl, HDL of 37.55 ± 5.53mg/dl and triglyceride 184.81 ± 61.40mg/dl, respectively. When investigating capacity for self-care they presented an average of 35.72 ± 3.69 points, with regular ability for self-care. With regard to the treatment adherence it was found an average in the drug treatment of 30.08 ± 3.13 points, with 8.8% of adherence; for membership in the dietary treatment, 12.67 ± 1.32 points, 8% adherence and in treatment of physical activity 2.73 ± 1.53, with adherence of 5.2%. It was showed a direct correlation between the ability of self-care and years of study, disease control and adherence to physical activity, an inverse correlation between the ability of self-care and IMC, total cholesterol and LDL, religion, drug treatment, time evolution of the disease and risk factors. It is concluded that, based on the results obtained, it becomes urgent the implementation of the guidelines proposed by the Model Integrated Health Care (MIDAS) and the Norma Oficial Mexicana 015-SSA2- 1994 for the prevention, treatment and control diabetes with the aim of developing the skills of self-care for people with type 2 diabetes to manage the disease.

À medida que a população envelhece, a prevalência das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis aumenta. Dentre as doenças que acometem a população idosa, destaca-se o diabetes mellitus (DM). Por ser uma doença crônica e envolver riscos de complicações e sequelas, a realização de atividades de autocuidado pode contribuir para o controle da doença. Dessa forma, o objetivo dessa pesquisa foi estudar o perfil clínico, epidemiológico e sociodemográfico, bem como o nível de adesão ao autocuidado de idosos com DM Tipo 2 (DM2). Trata-se de um estudo observacional do tipo transversal, sendo selecionados 115 indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, com DM2 e cadastrados no Ambulatório do Estágio Integrado do Centro de Saúde Escola Joel Domingos Machado no município de Ribeirão Preto/SP há pelo menos um ano. Os instrumentos de coleta de dados foram o Instrumento de Caracterização dos Participantes, Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil e o Questionário de Atividades de Autocuidado com o Diabetes. Todos os preceitos éticos foram respeitados. Quanto aos resultados obtidos, observou-se um predomínio de mulheres e de participantes com ensino fundamental incompleto (68,7%). O tempo médio de diagnóstico da doença foi de 13,6 anos para os homens e 14,4 anos para as mulheres. Em relação ao tipo de tratamento farmacológico utilizado, 50,4% dos participantes relataram utilizar apenas antidiabético oral, 37,4% antidiabético oral associado à insulina, 9,6% apenas insulina e 2,6% não faziam uso de nenhum medicamento. Cerca de 88% mencionaram a hipertensão arterial como doença associada e 11,3% apresentavam nefropatia como complicação decorrente do DM. Quanto às atividades de autocuidado, verificou-se níveis baixos de adesão tanto para adesão geral quanto para as recomendações alimentares, especialmente entre as mulheres. Por outro lado, o domínio medicação foi o que apresentou maior adesão por parte dos participantes. A avaliação dos itens \"avaliar o açúcar no sangue o número de vezes recomendado\" e \"examinar os pés\" mostrou diferença significativa quando mulheres e homens foram comparados. Em elação ao tabagismo, a maioria relatou não fumar. A análise multivariada mostrou que no domínio adesão geral, não utilizar nenhum e/ou apenas um antidiabético oral foram considerados fatores preditores para baixa adesão. Já os preditores de alta adesão foram não utilizar metformina e apresentar hemoglobina glicada alterada. No que se refere ao domínio adesão à alimentação, não utilizar nenhum antidiabético oral foi fator preditor de baixa adesão, enquanto ser negro e apresentar glicemia de jejum não controlada representaram fatores preditores de alta adesão. Aderir às recomendações gerais e alimentares se correlacionaram positivamente com o tempo de diagnóstico [(r=0,34964; p<0,001); (r=0,25947; p=0,005), respectivamente]. Conclui-se que fatores sociodemográficos, clínicos e epidemiológicos influenciam a adesão ao autocuidado. Obter informações para orientar e planejar ações que possam aumentar a adesão ao tratamento do DM é fundamental para melhorar o controle da doença, diminuir riscos de complicações e proporcionar melhor qualidade de vida aos pacientes. / As the population ages the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases increases. Amongst the diseases that affect the elderly population, diabetes mellitus (DM) stands out. As a chronic disease and involve risks of complications and sequelae, the performance of self-care activities may contribute to disease control. The objective of this research was to study the clinical, epidemiological and sociodemographic profile, as well as the level of adherence to self-care of the elderly with type 2 DM (DM2). This is a cross-sectional observational study, in which were selected 115 individuals aged 60 years and over with type 2 DM and registered at the School Health Center Joel Domingos Machado Ambulatory of Integrated Internship for at least one year. The data collection instruments were: Instrument of Participants Characterization, Brazilian Criterion of Economic Classification and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire. All ethical guidelines were respected. Regarding the results, it was observed that the women and individuals with incomplete elementary school (68.7%) were predominated. The average time of diagnosis was 13.6 years for men and 14.4 years for women. Regarding the type of pharmacological treatment, 50.4% of the participants reported only oral antidiabetic use, 37.4% oral antidiabetic associated with insulin, 9.6% only insulin and 2.6% did not use any medication. About 88% reported hypertension as an associated disease and 11.3% had nephropathy as a complication of diabetes. As for self-care activities, it was verified low adherence levels for both general adherence and dietary recommendations, especially among women. However, the medication domain has presented the highest adherence by the participants. The evaluation of the items \"assessing blood sugar the recommended number of times\" and \"examining the feet\" showed a significant difference when women and men were compared. Regarding smoking, the majority reported do not smoke. The multivariate analysis showed that in the general adhesion domain, not using any and / or only an oral antidiabetic were considered predictive factors for low adhesion. On the other hand, the predictors of high compliance were not to use metformin and to have altered glycated hemoglobin. Regarding the adherence to food domain, no oral antidiabetic agent was used as a predictor of low adherence, while being black and presenting uncontrolled fasting glucose represented predictors of high adherence. Adhering to general and dietary recommendations had a positive correlation with the time of diagnosis [(r = 0.34964; p <0.001); (R = 0.25947; p = 0.005)]. We conclude that the factors sociodemographic, clinical and epidemiological factors to influence adherence to self-care. Obtaining information to guide and plan actions that can increase adherence to DM treatment is fundamental to improve disease control, reduce risks of complications, and provide better quality of life for patients.

by Chau Pak Chun, Janita. / Includes questionaire in Chinese. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 124-139). / Chapter 1. --- INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.1 / Introduction --- p.1 / Major Objectives of the study --- p.3 / Literature review --- p.4 / Overview of PMS --- p.4 / Definition of PMS --- p.4 / Categories of PMS --- p.5 / The prevalence of PMS symptoms among female adolescents --- p.6 / PMS experience in Chinese --- p.9 / Proposed etiological factors and factors affecting PMS --- p.12 / Biological factors --- p.11 / Personal factors --- p.13 / Demographic variables in relation to PMS --- p.13 / Lifestyle practice in relation to PMS --- p.14 / Psychological factors in relation to PMS --- p.14 / The relationship between stress and PMS --- p.15 / Findings related to stress and anxiety --- p.17 / Sociocultural factors in relation to PMS --- p.18 / The impact ofPMS --- p.20 / Impact of PMS on adolescents --- p.21 / Treatment options for PMS --- p.21 / Pharmacological treatment --- p.21 / Interventions related to self care --- p.23 / Education and support --- p.23 / Exercise --- p.23 / Dietary changes --- p.25 / Stress management --- p.26 / Effectiveness of proposed self care interventions --- p.26 / Theoretical background for the study --- p.29 / Theoretical framework for the self care deficit theory --- p.30 / Self care for PMS --- p.31 / Empowerment --- p.33 / The concept of empowerment --- p.33 / Application of the concept of empowerment --- p.35 / Empowerment outcomes --- p.35 / Health education --- p.36 / Overview of health education --- p.36 / Evaluation in health education --- p.37 / Chapter 2. --- METHOD --- p.40 / Hypotheses --- p.40 / Operational definitions --- p.41 / Research design --- p.42 / Sample --- p.43 / Sample size --- p.43 / Sampling procedures --- p.45 / Sample characteristics --- p.46 / Instruments and techniques for measurement --- p.47 / Chapter 1. --- Instrument to assess PMS --- p.47 / Chapter 2. --- Instrument to assess knowledge --- p.53 / Chapter 3. --- Instrument to assess trait anxiety --- p.55 / Chapter 4. --- Interview --- p.57 / Treatment --- p.57 / Data collection procedures --- p.61 / Method of data analysis --- p.64 / Chapter 3. --- RESULTS --- p.67 / Response rate --- p.67 / Demographic findings --- p.67 / Pre-intervention premenstrual and menstrual symptoms findings --- p.70 / The incidence of PMS and menstrual symptoms --- p.70 / The prevalence of PMS --- p.73 / The impact of PMS on activities and performance --- p.75 / Reliability of MSQ --- p.75 / Pre-intervention PMS knowledge --- p.76 / Pre-intervention trait anxiety --- p.78 / Correlational analyses --- p.80 / Relationship of trait anxiety to PMS and menstrual symptoms --- p.80 / Relationship of PMS knowledge to premenstrual and menstrual symptoms --- p.82 / Relationship of demographic variables to premenstrual and menstrual symptoms --- p.82 / Relationship of demographic variables to four PMT subgroups --- p.84 / Relationship of lifestyle variable to PMS and menstrual symptoms --- p.84 / Relationships between self reported impact of PMS symptoms with PMS --- p.85 / Dietary information --- p.86 / Effectiveness of the educational program --- p.90 / Group comparability --- p.90 / Effects of educational program on the incidence and severity of PMS --- p.94 / PMS findings for the control group --- p.94 / Effects of education program on PMS knowledge --- p.97 / Chapter 4. --- DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION --- p.99 / Overall benefits of education --- p.99 / The profile of PMS --- p.108 / Limitations --- p.119 / Implications and Recommendations for further research --- p.120 / Conclusion --- p.122 / REFERENCES --- p.124 / APPENDICES --- p.140 / APPENDIX I: Letter to schools --- p.140 / APPENDIX 11: Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire --- p.143 / APPENDIX III: Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (Chinese version)… --- p.146 / APPENDIX IV: Premenstrual Syndrome Knowledge Questionnaire --- p.149 / APPENDIX V: Premenstrual Syndrome Knowledge Questionnaire (Chinese version) --- p.151 / APPENDIX VI: Trait-anxiety Inventory --- p.153 / APPENDIX VII: Trait-anxiety Inventory (Chinese version) --- p.155 / APPENDIX VIII: Cover letter to reviewer --- p.156 / APPENDIX IX: Parental consent form --- p.157