A STUDY OF SELF-CARE BEHAVIORS AMONG POST –PARTUM WOMEN AT FAMILY PLANNING CLINIC, SURIN HOSPITAL

Abstract

The purpose of this research aimed to study the self-care behaviors and the relationship between selected factors and self-care behaviors among postpartum women at family planning Clinic, Surin Hospital. The sample consisted of 74 patients in post-partum women after childbirth between 8 6 weeks which was derived from random system sampling. The instrument in this study used was the self-care behaviors among postpartum women consisting of two parts: Part 1 general information, Part 2 self-care behaviors among postpartum women divided into 6 components: 1) nutrition 2) elimination process 3) rest and sleep 4) social interaction 5) prevention of hazards to human life and 6) promotion of human well-being. The reliability of using Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .90. Data were analyzed using statistical hypothesis which was mean (M ) and standard deviation (SD.) and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient.

The research found:

1. The overall self-care behaviors of postpartum women, was at moderate levels (M =443., SD=0.25) Considering the self-care behaviors of postpartum women in each component found that was the self - care behaviors about nutrition were at a good level (M = 4.28, SD=0.33), the self-care behaviors about the elimination process were at a moderate level (M = 3.33, SD=0.43), the self-care behaviors about rest and sleep was moderate (M = 3.35, SD=0.33), the self - care behaviors social interaction were at a moderate level (M = 3.08, SD=0.44), the self - care behaviors prevention of hazards to human life was at moderate level (M = 3.26, SD=0.34) and the self-care behaviors promotion of human well-being were at a moderate level (M = 3.36, SD=0.32)

2. Factors correlated with the self-care behaviors among postpartum women were sufficient income, history of obstetric, and age at a 0.05 level.

Based on the findings, health care providers should be aware of self-care knowledge, nutritional support, and behavioral modification in systematic care for post-partum women. Moreover, these results can be used to plan information for behavior change counseling and developing a health education program for post-partum women about self-care behaviors before going home.