Abstract
OBJECTIVES: to develop a middle-range theory for the nursing diagnosis "ineffective health self-management" in individuals living with the human immunodeficiency virus. METHODS: this is a methodological study aimed at theoretical development to establish the theoretical-causal validity of the nursing diagnosis "ineffective health self-management" based on the theoretical frameworks of Callista Roy and Lopes, Silva, and Herdman. We conducted a scoping review, resulting in a final sample of 31 articles. RESULTS: the findings identified five essential attributes, 30 antecedents, and nine clinical consequences. We constructed a middle-range theory comprising 1 pictorial diagram, 8 propositions, and 30 causal relationships (15 predisposing factors, 10 disabling factors, 2 precipitating factors, and 3 reinforcing factors). CONCLUSIONS: the development of this theory enables nurses' clinical judgment regarding the nursing diagnosis "ineffective health self-management" in the context of individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus.