An evaluation of a health belief program to promote behavioral changes for hypertension prevention among high-risk individuals in Bang Krabue Subdistrict, Sing Buri Province.

Abstract

Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke. A health behavior modification program based on the Health Belief Model was thus experimentally applied in the area. This quasi-experimental research aimed to compare disease prevention behaviors and blood pressure levels before and after receiving the health belief program. The experiment lasted 12 weeks among 24 individuals at risk of hypertension in Bang Krabue Sub-district, Mueang Sing Buri District, Sing Buri Province. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and Bland-Altman plot.

            The study results showed that most of the at-risk group were female (66.7%), with an average age of 53.21 (SD = 7.84) years. Identified risk factors included dangerous obesity (8.3%) and waist circumference exceeding standard (Mean = 85.58, SD = 8.42), as well as dietary behaviors favoring salty, sweet, and fatty foods (44.0%, 34.0%, and 22.0% respectively) and relatively low physical activity (54.2%). The overall analysis of health behaviors showed an average increase of 5.04 points (95% CI: 3.43, 6.65). Specific behavioral aspects, such as eating habits, exercise habits, and emotional behaviors, also showed statistically significant increases in their mean scores (p-value < 0.05). Similarly, systolic blood pressure showed an average decrease of 4.54 units (95% CI: 3.29, 5.79), consistent with a 3.25 unit decrease in diastolic blood pressure (95% CI: 2.10, 4.40).

            This research indicates that the health belief program can modify health behaviors in individuals at risk of hypertension and genuinely help reduce blood pressure levels. Therefore, future studies should increase sample size and study duration, as well as improve measurement tools and risk communication methods to enhance program effectiveness.