Oral hygiene self-care: Concept analysis for the development of a new nursing diagnosis

This study aims to analyze the concept of oral hygiene self-care and develop a new problem-focused nursing diagnosis (ND) based on the NANDA-I terminology.

A concept analysis was performed based on the Walker and Avant framework, including a scoping review phase according to the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Web of Science, Virtual Health Library, and specific gray literature databases. The development of the diagnostic structure followed the NANDA-I guidelines with a focus on Orem's self-care theory.

Including 51 studies, the analysis facilitated the formulation of attributes, antecedents, and consequences of oral hygiene self-care. The ND "Oral hygiene self-care deficit" was created and included 17 defining characteristics, 9 related factors, 5 associated conditions, and 5 high-risk populations. Two cases were constructed to illustrate the use of key terms.

The conceptual analysis provided insight into the concept of oral hygiene self-care and supported the structure of a new ND.

This study contributes to the implementation of the nursing process by focusing on the identification of individuals with oral hygiene self-care deficit. It will facilitate the promotion of oral health, thereby impacting the individual's quality of life. In addition, it will aid in the development of public policy for the prevention of oral diseases.