**3. Self-care**

"Self-care" is defined by the World Health Organisation [WHO] as the ability of individuals, their families, and society to develop health, prevent disease, protect health, and be able to cope with disease and disability with or without the support of healthcare services [17].

The concept of self-care includes the promotion and development of health, prevention and control of disease, self-treatment with drugs, and the provision of care by those on whom the patient is dependent and the participation of healthcare professionals when necessary.

The most important step in the development of self-care is the assessment of the patient. A holistic assessment of the self-care status of a patient and determination of priority areas for behavioural change can provide encouragement and useful basic data for personal change.

Self-care allows individuals to deal with their requirements holistically.
