The effects of a health perception and belief promotion program on hypertension prevention behaviors among at-risk population in Muang Sri Khai Subdistrict, Warinchamrap District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research with a two-group pretest-posttest design aimed to study the effects of a health belief promotion program on hypertension prevention behaviors among at-risk individuals in Muang Sri Khai Subdistrict, Warinchamrap District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The sample consisted of 86 individuals aged 35-59 years who were at risk of developing hypertension. Participants were selected using simple random sampling and divided into an experimental group and a comparison group, with 43 participants in each group. The experimental group received a health belief promotion program based on Rosenstock's Health Belief Model. The intervention involved participatory learning activities and various media formats, such as PowerPoint presentations, videos, and brochures. Research instruments included a structured questionnaire and a blood pressure monitor (OMRON brand). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, specifically the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and the Mann-Whitney U Test.

            The results revealed that after the intervention, the experimental group showed significantly higher mean scores in knowledge about hypertension, health beliefs, and hypertension prevention behaviors based on the "3A" principles compared to before the intervention (p<0.001). These findings suggest that the program had a positive impact on the health behavior changes of at-risk individuals by enhancing their knowledge and improving behaviors related to nutrition and stress management-key factors in the sustainable prevention of hypertension.