The Effect of Health Belief Model Program on Blood Pressure Control Behaviors among Elderly Hypertensive Patients in Mueang District, Chonburi Province

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study with two groups and three measurement points (pre-posttest and follow up periods) aimed to evaluate the effects of a health belief model-based program on blood pressure control behaviors and blood pressure levels among elderly patients with hypertension in Mueang district, Chonburi province. Seventy participants were recruited and equally assigned to either intervention or control group. The study period lasted 10 weeks. Data were collected using blood pressure measuring device, questionnaires on demographic information and blood pressure control behaviors at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up phases. Descriptive statistics including percentages, frequencies, and standard deviations were used, while differences in mean scores were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and independent t-tests with Fisher's Exact test used to analyze the proportions of blood pressure severity levels.

The results indicated that, at the follow-up stage, the intervention group demonstrated significantly better blood pressure control behaviors and lower systolic blood pressure levels than those from the control group (p<0.05). Additionally, within the intervention group, systolic blood pressure at follow-up was significantly lower compared to post-intervention (p<0.05), and blood pressure control behavior scores at follow-up were significantly higher than those at pre- and post-intervention stages (p<0.05).

In conclusion, the health belief model-based program effectively improved blood pressure control behaviors and reduced systolic blood pressure and increased health behaviors scores among elderly hypertensive patients. Relevant organizations may consider applying this program to enhance patient care and health promotion within the community.