Self-Care and Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases: A Review of Individual Practices and Daily Barriers

Noncommunicable Diseases remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide and pose significant public health challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Brazil. Self-care has emerged as a key strategy in preventing and managing NCDs, encompassing daily health-related behaviors such as balanced eating, physical activity, emotional well-being, and routine health monitoring. However, despite its recognized importance, the effective adoption of self-care practices is often limited by individual, social, economic, and structural barriers. This study aimed to analyze individual self-care practices aimed at preventing Noncommunicable Diseases and to identify the main barriers individuals face in integrating these practices into their daily lives. A narrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases. Studies published in the last five years were included, and thematic analysis guided the synthesis of findings. The results were organized into three main categories: (1) Individual Self-Care Practices, (2) Daily Barriers to Self-Care, and (3) The Role of Health Promotion and Public Policies. Findings reveal that while self-care behaviors are widely promoted in health discourse, their adoption is strongly influenced by structural inequalities such as low health literacy, limited access to healthcare, socioeconomic vulnerability, and lack of intersectoral support. Health promotion strategies, especially those grounded in Primary Health Care and supported by public policy, play a crucial role in enabling self-care in diverse populations. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for integrated, community-based, and equity-focused interventions that respect cultural contexts and empower individuals to take an active role in their own health.