Young women's perceptions about self-care and osteoporosis.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 86
Description: This qualitative study investigated the experiences of young women participating in self-care related to osteoporosis. The study involved semi-structured, in-depth interviews that were conducted with fourteen participants, aged 24 to 41. Findings were interpreted using a theoretical framework of health promotion with a poststructuralist perspective.Perceived risk for osteoporosis varies according to age and family history. Responsibility for self-care is related to a woman's social role in society. Discourses that influenced participation in self-care included; risk and future health, weight control, wholesomeness in eating, and language and the acquisition of biomedical rationality. The interplay between the self-definition of health and the dominant discourses of wholesomeness in eating and weight control has made food intake the focus of self-care. A routine represents the tangible evidence of a successful behavior change. Self-monitoring of behavior ensures a routine is upheld.Participation in self-care and the dominant discourses contribute to the evolving self-definition of health and healthy behavior. The focus of food and monitoring of food fuels the cycle to greater levels of control and self-discipline. Women's bodies are ongoing and evolving projects of self-care, self-discipline and self-monitoring.
Notes: Adviser: Cheryl Cott.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 42-06, page: 2195.

MICR copy on microfiche (1 microfiche).