Abstract
The article aims to discuss the different understandings of public health managers regarding self-care and care for others from a comprehensive perspective. This study adopts a qualitative approach of a descriptive and exploratory nature. Data collection was carried out using the cartographic method. Nine managers were interviewed between October and December 2022. X Bardin's content analysis supported data analysis. This research allowed to perceive that care occurs in moments of welcoming, listening, dialogue, and dealing with oneself, with family members, and with life's matters. A new perspective emerges from understanding that self-care is an expression of the concern for caring for others and caring for others can be an aspect of self-care. This pendular movement of care between self-care and care for others happens in the lives of managers, not always in a fluid manner, considering that the self-care instance appeared to be weakened. It is suggested to investigate the instruments and tools for care management among managers and which factors influence their autonomy and decision-making.
Keywords:
Self-care; Health management; Public health