Effects of Health Promoting Program on Knowledge and Self-care Behaviors in Metabolic Syndrome among HIV-infected Patients

Abstract

HIV-infected patients using antiviral medication for a long time are at a high risk of having metabolic syndrome, such as dyslipidemia, high blood pressure and high blood sugar level.  This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effects of a health promoting program concerning knowledge and self-care behaviors among HIV-infected patients with metabolic syndrome. The sample group of 42 subjects was selected following the requirements and its size was calculated using the Power Analysis method. HIV-infected patients with metabolic syndrome were assigned a control group of 21 persons, who received routine care, and an experimental group of 21 subjects, who received a health promotion program consisting of health education, skills training, activity practice, monitoring and motivation. This program was conducted a total of 8 times over 21 weeks. The result was measured regarding knowledge and self-care behaviors using an evaluation form. Data was analyzed using independent t – test. The results showed that after finishing the program, the experimental group had higher average scores in self-care knowledge and behaviors than before receiving the program. The experimental group had significantly higher average scores regarding self-care knowledge than the control group (p = 0.001). The average scores regarding behavior showed no difference. From the study results it could be concluded that the health promoting program encouraged the experimental group to gain more knowledge, resulting in better self-care behavior. They could properly take care of their health. Therefore, the program could be used to promote health of HIV-infected patients with metabolic syndrome.