Self-care of men with priapism and sickle cell disease

OBJECTIVE: To identify self-care demands of men with sickle cell disease and priapism and describe self-care measures in light of Orem's Self-Care Theory. METHOD: This is a descriptive exploratory study with qualitative approach conducted with nine men with a history of sickle cell disease and priapism. Data were analyzed using Orem's Self-Care Theory. RESULTS: Some demands were identified: from universal self-care - difficulty in social interaction and solitude, changes in self-image, self-esteem and sexual activity; from development - the experience with priapism and little knowledge about the pathophysiology of the disease; regarding health deviations - pain crises. CONCLUSION: Orem's theory allowed to identify self-care demands, which are essential for the nursing care provided for men with priapism. Nursing has an essential role in the measures for the different demands presented.