Introduction: To date, many developments in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of people with Parkinson's have been occurred, however there is not clear view of self-care manner in these patients. Thus, further understanding of the problems, concerns and challenges in the care of these patients can be nececrry. The aim of this study was to explore challenges of self-care in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Method: This Study was an exploratory qualitative design and carried out using Grounded theory methodology. Data was collected via semi-structured in-depth interviews and field notes. 10 people with PD and 6 family caregivers were interviewd. Interviews were conducted in the private homes of participants or one of their family members. Analyzing of the data was carried out with the Corbin and Strauss (2008) approach.
Results: Concepts of study were identified with using a micro analysis and general analysis. "fear of becoming crippled" was identified as a main concern in these patients. This concern fell into four categories including "progressive physical disability", "mental alteration", "financial burden of disease" and "self-change" and was created with the effect of PD on physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects of patients.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that people with PD face a number of challenges to self-care. The findings also showed that demographic, familial and social factors have important roles in the self-care process of these patients.With understanding challenages of self-care, health care providers especially nurses can support people with PD in achieving and maintaining independence in self-care. On the other hand, the results of this study can be used in the formulation of policy and the standards of care in our country with providing the important concepts and a basic knowledge of the process of care of peoples with PD.