Self-care behaviours and practices of professional nurses working in primary health care clinics

Background: Historically, the nursing profession focused on caring for patients, families and communities but neglected aspects of self-care. Self-care is essential for nurses, as it could impact the quality of care nurses render to patients.Aim: This article investigated professional nurses’ self-care behaviours and practices in primary health care clinics.Setting: The study was conducted at selected primary health care facilities (clinics) in regions C and D of the city of Johannesburg, Gauteng.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive research survey. Stratified random sampling was used to select respondents. A demographic questionnaire, Self-Care Activities Screening Scale (SASS-14), Nature of Supportive Work Environment questionnaire and Self-Care Work and Home Environmental Factors (SWHEF) questionnaire were combined as the data collection instrument for this study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the collected data.Results: The finding revealed health consciousness: 86.6% of professional nurses were alert to changes in their health, and 75.2% constantly examined their health. The average professional nurse slept only 7–8 h every day. While 59.4% of professional nurses who participated in the study seldom ate healthy foods (i.e. foods with less sugar, salt, fried snacks or pre-cooked food), 71.7% rarely ate three fruits and two portions of vegetables daily. Only 57.4% of professional nurses regularly drank eight recommended glasses of water daily.Conclusion: According to the findings, primary health care nurses must prioritise self-care and work in supportive environments.Contribution: The study acknowledged the need to promote self-care and supportive work environments for professional nurses in primary health care setting.