The effects of a health promotion program on stroke prevention behaviors and the reduction of stroke risk among high-risk individuals in Ban Na Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong Province

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effect of a health promotion program on stroke prevention behavior. The sample group consisted of 72 people at risk of stroke at the level of monitoring or higher. They were divided into a control group (n=36) and an experimental group (n=36). The research instrument was a stroke prevention behavior development program, consisting of the following activities: 1) developing awareness of benefits, 2) developing awareness of problems and obstacles, 3) self-efficacy awareness, and 4) social support from family. The stroke prevention behavior questionnaire was approved for content validity by three experts, with a consistency index of .96 and a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of .84. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and ANCOVA.

The results showed that the mean of stroke prevention behaviors overall was at a fair level before joining the program ( = 2.42, SD = 0.66). After joining the program, the stroke prevention behavior of the intervention group was at a good level ( = 2.71, SD = 0.71). The mean of stroke prevention behavior after joining the program was significantly higher than before joining the program (p = .018). The mean risk level of stroke before joining the program was at a high level ( = 3.42, SD = 0.95). After joining the program, it was at a level that needed to be monitored ( = 4.31, SD = 1.09). The mean of the risk level of stroke after joining the program was significantly lower than before joining the program (p = .038).