فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Background: Self-care neglect represents a significant barrier in the effective management of chronic diseases. Despite its clinical relevance, the concept remains ambiguously defined.Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the concept of self-care neglect within the context of chronic illness.Methods: A concept analysis was conducted using Walker and Avant’s framework. A systematic literature search was performed across Scopus, Medline, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2010 and 2024. Search terms included “neglect,” “self-care neglect,” “neglect in self-care,” “neglect in care,” “non-adherence to treatment,” and “chronic disease,” combined using Boolean operators “AND” and “OR.” Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis.Results: Self-care neglect emerged as a multidimensional construct encompassing behavioral, cognitive, and socio-environmental components. Core attributes identified were: disregarding prescribed treatment despite awareness, high costs of care, poor medication management, non-adherence to dietary and exercise recommendations, low motivation to seek health information, missed clinical appointments, reliance on family for care, and insufficient governmental or insurance support. Antecedents included limited disease-related knowledge, geographical distance from healthcare facilities, financial constraints, fear of adverse effects, unhealthy dietary preferences, inadequate support for medications or diagnostic testing, and low intrinsic motivation. Consequences of self-care neglect were observed as symptom exacerbation, recurrent hospitalizations, disease complications, and increased risk of mortality.Conclusion: Self-care neglect in chronic disease is influenced by a complex interplay of knowledge deficits, socioeconomic and geographic barriers, treatment-related concerns, lifestyle factors, insufficient support systems, and motivational challenges. Recognizing and addressing these factors is critical for healthcare professionals aiming to improve adherence and optimize outcomes in chronic illness management.