Self-care capabilities in black girls in anticipation of menarche.

Limited research exists on young girls' expectations of self-care related to menarche. No studies specifically focus on black girls. This study describes the self-care agency of a group of black premenarcheal girls with respect to menarche. Data were collected through audiotaped interviews from a standardized schedule of questions based on Orem's theory. A verified content analysis was conducted. Family system elements, sociocultural orientation, peers, and developmental state were determined to be important in conditioning the self-care agency in preparation for menarche. Girls had difficulty estimating what self-care should take place although there was some ability to acquire and retain knowledge from an authoritative and personal source. Menarche was viewed as an event involving self-care in the areas of two requisites: elimination and social interaction.