ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to construct a data base that conveys the cultural images of health maintenance behaviors and self care perception among selected Saudi Arabian patients' family members. The identified information shapes the health practices among the studied group as they have a role as care givers for themselves and for patients during hospital stay and at home. The study was conducted on 100 family members, 50 males and 50 females, who were randomly selected during patients hospital stay at medical surgical wards, outpatient clinics and emergency care units of Fahd University Hospital. Self care inventory [SCI] and health maintenance behavior questionnaire [HMBQ] and demographic data sheet were the instruments of this study. Data were collected through semistructured interview. The results were analyzed and significant tests showed the presence of significant statistical differences between male and female subjects in relation to self care perception and in some areas of the health maintenance behavior such as smoking and regular check up. The results of this study can guide nurses as a change agent to modify and support persons within the social and cultural studied situation to adhere to health practices which enhance or sustain well-being