Application of Orem's Self-Care Theory in Nursing Care of Children with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in the NICU Room at Dr. Myunus Bengkulu Regional Hospital

Abstract

Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates, especially premature infants, in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Nursing care based on Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory can help nurses identify self-care needs and increase family independence and involvement in care. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Orem's Self-Care Theory in providing nursing care to children with RDS in the NICU at Myunus Hospital, Bengkulu. Methods: A quasi-experimental study using a pre-test and post-test approach involved 40 neonates with RDS divided into an intervention group (Orem's theory) and a control group (standard care). Data were collected from clinical records, observations of parental self-care, and NOC nursing outcome scores. Results: The intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in parental independence scores for nursing self-care (e.g., nutrition provision, home oxygen management) compared to the control group on day 7 (p < 0.05). Significant improvements were also seen in clinical parameters such as respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and duration of NICU stay. Conclusion: The application of Orem's Self-Care theory improves the quality of nursing care for children with RDS in the NICU through parental empowerment, which impacts infant outcomes.
Keywords: Orem's Self-Care, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, NICU, pediatric nursing.