Health Behavior Modification among Risk Group of Hypertension in Khongchaipattana Subdistrict, Khongchai District, Kalasin Province
Keywords:
Health literacy, Health behavior, Risk of hypertensionAbstract
This action research aimed to modify health behaviors among individuals at risk of hypertension in Khongchaipattana Subdistrict, Khongchai District, Kalasin Province, through a health literacy-based participatory approach. The participants included 50 individuals at risk of hypertension, as well as local stakeholders and academic experts. Research instruments consisted of interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (paired t-test), while qualitative data were examined using content analysis.
The results indicated that, after the intervention, the mean overall health literacy score increased from 92.36 to 113.06, and the mean health behavior score increased from 34.94 to 41.36. Participants demonstrated improved health behaviors based on the 3E 2S principles, including healthy eating, regular physical activity, emotional management, smoking reduction/cessation, and decreased alcohol consumption. These changes enabled participants to better manage their own health.
The key success factors included: (1) active participation of network partners, (2) appropriate learning processes and context-based communication, (3) continuous creative activities, (4) follow-up through home visits, and (5) social support. These factors can serve as guidelines for organizing sustainable health behavior modification programs.
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