Qualitative Study on Self-Care Among Youth in Tehran
Subject Areas : Youth and their social issues
Mitra Sarabian
1
,
Parvin Savadian
2
,
alireza kaldi
3
1 - .D Student in Sociology, Majoring in Social Groups, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Unit, Tehran, Iran.
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Unit, Tehran, Iran.
3 - Retired Professor, Department of Sociology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Unit, Tehran, Iran.
Keywords: Self-Care, Peer Pressure, Barriers, Benefits, Youth.,
Abstract :
Self-care behaviors are crucial for enhancing individual health and preventing diseases among youth. Since young people often face numerous challenges during this developmental stage, identifying self-care behaviors and the factors influencing them is paramount. This study examines barriers and benefits of self-care, peer social pressure, socioeconomic conditions, and expectations from health-related organizations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care is defined as "the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider" (WHO, 2022). This study highlights risky behaviors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity, as major threats to youth health. The theoretical framework of this research draws on various models and theories. According to the Health Belief Model (HBM), "individuals are more likely to engage in preventive behaviors if they perceive themselves to be at risk, believe the consequences of the disease are severe, and recognize that preventive actions can reduce susceptibility or severity" (Glanz et al., 2015, p. 61). This model underscores the key role of individual health beliefs in decision-making. Additionally, Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) emphasizes that human behavior results from the dynamic interaction of personal, environmental, and behavioral factors, with changes in any of these influencing others (Masoudnia, 2015, p. 283–284). Furthermore, Social Pressure Theory highlights the role of peer influence in adopting risky behaviors such as smoking, often driven by explicit peer group pressures (Masoudnia, 2015, p. 286).
Keywords: Self-Care, Peer Pressure, Barriers, Benefits, Youth.
Methods
A qualitative approach using thematic analysis was employed in this study. Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with young individuals aged 18 to 34 residing in all 22 districts of Tehran. Participants were purposefully selected to represent a diverse range of characteristics, including marital status, employment status, and gender. This sample included both employed individuals and students, as well as males and females. Sampling continued until data saturation was achieved, resulting in a total of 11 interviews. To ensure data validity, the interviews were repeatedly reviewed and analyzed. The six-step thematic analysis method developed by Braun and Clarke was used, which involved the extraction of initial codes, categorization, identification of sub-themes, and ultimately, the identification of main themes. Main themes were derived by grouping similar codes, and the reliability of these codes was confirmed through cross-checking by an additional researcher.
Findings
Seven main themes emerged from the data analysis: barriers and benefits of self-care, health-related behaviors, influential factors, peer group social pressure, the impact of the social environment, and expectations from organizations. Influential factors were categorized into internal and external elements. Participants viewed self-care from various perspectives—some limited it to physical activities and healthy eating habits, while others included medical services, check-ups, and problem-solving skills, such as the ability to say "no." Mental and psychological health were also emphasized, with techniques like meditation, stress management, and regulating information consumption highlighted for their direct impact on well-being.
Self-care benefits included economic savings, the maintenance of physical abilities, improved social interactions, and better career and academic opportunities, positioning self-care as an investment in long-term success. Healthcare practices were seen as a dynamic process with long-term outcomes, particularly in later life. Barriers to self-care included economic challenges, lack of time, independent living, long distances to sports facilities, and insufficient income. Financial difficulties, such as the inability to afford medical consultations, often led individuals to neglect health-related behaviors.
Health behaviors were influenced by a combination of peer pressure, economic factors, media exposure, psychological stress, self-efficacy, and concerns about potential future health risks. Fear of neglecting self-care acted as a strong motivator, and the media played a key role in educating and promoting self-care behaviors.
Peer groups significantly impacted youth behavior, both directly (e.g., encouraging participation) and indirectly (e.g., pressure to conform to group norms). Early experiences, such as attending parties or group trips, often began at a young age. However, some avoided opposing peers due to fear of ridicule, which negatively affected self-care behaviors. The social environment also played a crucial role in shaping youth self-care behaviors, as factors like inadequate facilities, insecurity, and low-quality exercise equipment restricted opportunities for self-care. The lack of supportive role models and societal neglect of youth further decreased motivation for self-care.
Finally, participants expressed the expectation that organizations would foster a self-care culture by integrating early health education, creating supportive and healthy environments, and utilizing innovative technologies, such as health-focused applications, to enhance awareness and engagement.
Conclusion
Self-care is essential for a healthy lifestyle, playing a significant role in disease prevention and overall health improvement. This study explored youth self-care behaviors, identifying barriers, benefits, and influencing factors. Self-care positively impacts both physical and mental health, enhancing self-esteem, reducing healthcare costs, and boosting productivity in later life. However, obstacles such as peer pressure, economic difficulties, and limited access to resources hinder the adoption of self-care. Peer influence, particularly in risky behaviors, and financial challenges, such as an inability to afford medical consultations, are key barriers. Education and awareness are crucial. Modern, engaging educational methods, such as health apps and media programs, can increase awareness and encourage self-care. Additionally, policies aimed at reducing economic and social barriers, such as expanding sports facilities and lowering healthcare costs, can further promote self-care.
This research emphasizes the need for supportive programs to promote self-care from childhood, utilizing creative, age-specific methods. Strengthening public health culture through media can shift societal perspectives on the importance of self-care. Addressing social, economic, and cultural factors through education, economic support, and policymaking is essential for improving youth health and reducing the financial and social burdens of disease.
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Glanz, Karen., Rimer, Barbara K., Viswanath, K. (2018). Health behavior and health education (Sedighe Sadat Tavafian, et al. Trans.). Tehran: Aghil. [In Persian]
Masoudnia, Ebrahim. (2015). Medical sociology (2nd ed.). Tehran: University of Tehran. [In Persian]
World Health Organization. WHO guideline on self-care interventions for health and well-being, 2022 revision. 2022. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789240052192. Accessed 24 Mar 2023.
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