Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework for this study was modified
from the model devised by Dunbar et al (2008). The
model, shown in Figure 1, provides direction for family focused interventions that target the patient and family knowledge and skills; family support, functioning, motivation, and behavior; as well as the family context to
improve self-care and ultimately outcomes. It is based on
a definition of self-management that includes self-care decisions and actions arising from self-care behavior, which are influenced by individual characteristics (age, sex, ethnicity, preferences, and patterns); clinical characteristics (acuity of illness, cognitive status, comorbidities, and self care regimens); behavior characteristics (motivation, self efficacy or confidence, mood states, and ability to adjust behavior altered by depression or anxiety); and prerequisite knowledge and skills to perform these behaviors. Since this study investigated self-management and self care
activity within a family context, and cultural beliefs
of participants may influence behavior ,we also added health belief to the conceptual framework based on the health belief model proposed by Harvey and Lawson.