Self-care in urban settings.

A variety of indicators favors the development of self-care systems for inner-city populations. This cannot be conceived as an isolated individual or a family enterprise. To be effective, self-care must be a community concept. This type of system requires (1) an information base; (2)an organized method of dissemination in a community; (3) support structures; and (4) an evaluation sybsystem. A community-oriented system would be an alternative and a complement to formal health services; individuals and families would manage common health problems, but would have ready access to formal services through community organizations. Links must also be provided between personal self-care and other forms of community development.