Utilization of Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory in Self-Care Among Older Korean Immigrants with Diabetes in the United States

Abstract

Background:Diabetes is a chronic illness and increasing among older populations. Self-care is a critical element in managing diabetes. Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory (SCDNT) has been used and applied in nursing to explain significant self-care concepts. Although older Korean immigrants are marginalized in maintaining optimal health status and accessing adequate health services, related studies are still lacking. Utilization of Orem’s SCDNT allows nurses to better understand associated factors in self-care among older Korean immigrants with diabetes.Purpose:The first aim is to explain the significant concepts of SCDNT. The second aim is to examine basic conditioning factors on self-care among older Korean immigrants with diabetes based on Orem’s SCDNT.Methods:Each concept and structure of Orem’s SCDNT was described with a table and figure. The 10 basic conditioning factors in self-care among older Korean immigrants with diabetes were investigated based on the previous literature and discussed in terms of Orem’s SCDNT.Results:By exploring the 10 basic conditioning factors among older Korean immigrants, nurses can identify related factors in the self-care of this minority immigrant group and initiate the development of culturally tailored and age-specific nursing interventions.Implications to Nursing Practice:This study provides an understanding of related self-care factors among older Korean immigrants with diabetes. Additionally, the findings will help nurses to develop customized effective interventions and implement appropriate diabetes care for this minority group.