Manee ArpanantikulMahidol University2018-08-202018-08-202006-12-01Health Care for Women International. Vol.27, No.10 (2006), 893-90710964665073993322-s2.0-33750137401https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/23262My purpose in this study was to explore the process of self-care actions in promoting health among middle-aged Thai women. Data were obtained from in-depth recorded interviews with 15 middle-aged Thai women living in Bangkok. Findings showed that the process of self-care actions for achieving health among middle-aged Thai women moved through a series of five stages: (1) perceiving health status, (2) developing awareness of the importance of one's own health, (3) finding motivation for self-care, (4) taking control for self-care, and (5) evaluating the consequences of self-care activities. I conclude that the process of self-care actions originated from women's internal demands and the formulation of self-care action is intertwined with women's values, beliefs, and way of life. Specific guidance about self-care and encouragement from nurses are meaningful for women to effectively perform self-care actions resulting in the promotion of long-term wellness in the later years of life. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.Mahidol UniversityHealth ProfessionsArticleSCOPUS10.1080/07399330600880533