Factors Influencing Stroke Prevention in Patients with High Blood Pressure in Sakaeo Province

Abstract

Introduction: This cross-sectional study aimed to examine predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors, as well as stroke prevention behaviors, and to analyze factors associated with stroke prevention behaviors among patients with hypertension in Sa Kaeo Province. Materials and Method: The sample consisted of 239 participants selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results: The results showed that social support and access to health information were significantly associated with stroke prevention behaviors (p < 0.05), whereas perceived barriers showed an inverse relationship with these behaviors. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that sex (β = 0.491, p < 0.001), access to health information (β = -0.147, p = 0.008), social support (β = 0.122, p = 0.026), and perceived barriers (β = 0.116, p = 0.036) were significantly associated with stroke prevention behaviors. These variables jointly explained 30.80% of the variance in stroke prevention behaviors (R^² = 0.308, Adjusted R² = 0.296). Conclusion: In conclusion, social support, particularly guidance from health professionals, was associated with stroke prevention behaviors among patients with hypertension. Access to health information and perceived barriers were also important factors to consider in promoting health behaviors. However, due to the cross-sectional design, causal relationships cannot be established, and the use of selfreported data may be subject to response bias.