The Effects of an Empowerment Program on Hypertension Prevention in Populations at Risk of Hypertension

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effects of an empowerment program for the prevention of hypertension in populations at risk of developing hypertension. The sample group consisted of individuals aged 35 years and older, screened and classified as at risk for hypertension, residing in the Fangdaeng Subdistrict, Thatphanom District, Nakhonphanom Province, with a total of 40 participants. Simple random sampling was conducted using a lottery method. The research instrument included the empowerment program for hypertension prevention, which was implemented over 6 weeks. Data collection tools included a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and Paired Sample t-test. The results showed that most of the sample were female (77.50%), with the majority being in the 46-55 age group (52.50%). Most had completed education at the primary school level or lower (1-7 years) (52.50%) and worked in agriculture (67.50%). A majority had a monthly income ranging from 5,001 to 10,000 Baht (55.00%). Before receiving the empowerment program, the sample's knowledge about hypertension was predominantly low (35%), with moderate and high knowledge levels at 32.50%. The comparison of knowledge scores regarding hypertension, self-care behaviors for preventing hypertension, and blood pressure levels before and after the intervention revealed statistically significant differences (p<0.05). This study emphasizes the importance of providing information and empowerment programs to prevent hypertension, which not only increased knowledge but also changed behaviors and reduced the risk of hypertension. Therefore, expanding this program to other target groups and conducting long-term follow-up are crucial for improving public health.