A meta-analysis of self-care behavior research on elders in Thailand: an update.

Self-care is essential for elderly individuals to maintain their optimal level of health. This meta-analysis was conducted to summarize research findings relating to self-care among the elderly in Thailand. Twenty studies undertaken from 1990 to 2008 were used and 328 effect sizes were computed. Most studies were unpublished master's theses guided by Orem's self-care deficit theory. Data were collected in these studies by face-to-face interviews. Variables with the largest effect sizes encompassed self-concept, social support, and self-efficacy. Those with medium effect sizes entailed family relationships, overall health beliefs, internal locus of control, health status, and external locus of control. Results from this meta-analysis is useful information for nursing.