EFFECT OF THE LOW SODIUM COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT MODELON FOOD CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOR OF RISK GROUPS AND HYPERTENSION PATIENTS AT JIKDO VILLAGE, HUATAPHAN DISTRICT, AMNATCHAROEN PROVINCE

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effect of the "Low-Sodium Community Management Model" on food consumption behavior and blood pressure levels among at-risk groups and hypertension patients in Jikdo village, Huataphan District, Amnatcharoen Province. The "Low-Sodium Community Management Model" is divided into three levels: 1) Individual Level: providing education on food consumption, 2) Household Level: conducting random sodium level tests in food, and 3) Community Level: campaigning through posters. A questionnaire on personal information and food consumption behavior was used to collect data. The sample size was calculated using a formula to compare the means of two dependent populations, resulting in a sample size of 48 individuals, selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, specifically the Paired Sample T-Test.

The research findings revealed that after the intervention, the average food consumption behavior score of the sample significantly increased from before the intervention (p-value < 0.001), and the average systolic blood pressure (SBP) significantly decreased (p-value < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found in the average diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

Therefore, it is recommended to promote and support the use of community management models to create sustainable changes in food consumption behaviors in the population.