Effects of a Capacity Building Program for Village Health Volunteers on Diabetes and Hypertension Risk Groups in a Semi-Urban Context
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Abstract
Objective: To examine the effects of a capacity-building program for village health volunteers (VHVs) on diabetes mellitus and hypertension prevention among at-risk populations in a semi-urban context. Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a one-group pretest–posttest design and was conducted in two phases: (1) program development based on a literature review and community contextual data from 207 VHVs, and (2) program evaluation among 47 pairs of VHVs and at-risk populations. The intervention consisted of 10 sessions implemented over a three-month period using a hybrid approach combining onsite and online activities. Research instruments included questionnaires assessing VHV knowledge, perceived benefits, and perceived self-efficacy regarding diabetes mellitus and hypertension prevention for at-risk populations. The stress test questionnaire and measurements of blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: After participation in the program, VHVs demonstrated significantly increased scores in knowledge, perceived benefits, and perceived self-efficacy regarding diabetes mellitus and hypertension prevention (p < .001). At-risk populations showed significantly improved preventive health behavior scores (p < .001). Significant reductions were also found in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and blood glucose levels (p < .05), whereas stress levels showed no substantial change. Conclusion: The VHVs capacity-building program effectively enhanced competencies in non-communicable disease prevention and promoted health behavior modification among at-risk populations. The findings support the appropriateness of applying a hybrid learning approach within primary health care services in semi-urban community settings.
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