Orem's Nursing Theory

The conceptual framework identified to inform this study is Orem’s general theory of nursing. Orem 's theory is a grand nursing theory encompassing three interconnected theories: the self-care theory, the self-care deficit theory, and the theory of nursing systems (Alligood, 2014). The theory of self-care describes why and how human beings care for themselves, can receive help through nursing, and describes relationships between nurses and patients and the importance of these relationships for quality nursing care through the use of the nursing system. These three theories as a whole present philosophical idea about self-care, nurses, patients, and their interaction (Beckerle et al., 2013).

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF), recommends

They classify the phenomenon of interest (Alligood, 2014). Concepts may have a different meaning in a vast theoretical system, it is important to ensure the clarity of a specific concept that will ensure the construction of a body of knowledge in a given area. Managing GDM includes having the support of family, friends and healthcare providers. Health care providers such as nurses need to ensure that education about the disease process and management is available to the patient because an absence of clarity results in less consistent and undesired outcome. Concept analysis is the beginning step of theory development to develop a conceptual definition (Alligood,

Orem viewed nursing as a form of a required need for self-care of patients (Younas, 2017). The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, requires behavioral changes such as increased activity levels, changing eating patterns, complying with medication regimens, performing self-monitoring of blood glucose, and monitor carbohydrate intake. Self-care requisites of women with GDM include being aware of GDM, what the test results of HbA1c and OGTT mean and their implications, accepting the diagnosis and the potential for GDM, and initiating specific actions to prevent GDM. The literature identified actions (self-care requisites) associated with the prevention of GDM and diabetic complications. These include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercises, and managing stress levels. Pregnant women who do not pass the HbA1c or OGTT test need to meet their self-care requisites so that the onset of GDM may be prevented or delayed. A study conducted in eight hundred and fifty-five pregnant women, where the intervention group received a standard sixty min duration exercise program, including aerobic activity, strength training and balance exercises once a week for twelve weeks, with an additional forty five minutes home exercise program at least twice a week, while the pregnant women in the control group received the general standard antenatal care, and were also allowed to exercise at home. Both groups had written recommendations on diet,