title: Self-care practices of college students.
abstract: The literature indicates that the majority of symptoms of minor illness or injury experienced by individuals are handled routinely through some form of self-care. Less well described are the sources of information relied on in the self-care decision-making process. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of self-care measures by college students prior to visiting a student health service and, if self-care was undertaken, to determine the source(s) of self-care information. Results indicated that almost two thirds of the subjects had engaged in self-care for the symptoms that led to their visits. The most popular sources of self-care information included family members or friends, prior interaction with a health care provider, and nonprescription medication advertisements. This study did not address the appropriateness of the self-care information obtained; therefore, the quality of the information was not analyzed. Due to the prevalence of self-care among college students, attempts should be made to provide them with objective, high quality, and readily accessible self-care information. This information should be provided as part of an overall effort that encourages students to view health as a personal responsibility.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Coons
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: McGhan
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Bootman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012648:Self Care; D013333:Student Health Services