Outcomes of Health Behavior Modification Program toward Risk Reduction for Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus among Population at Risk, Thapthan Districts, Uthaithani Province

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the outcomes of health behavior modification program to reduce the risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus among population at risk. Fifty samples with body mass index over the threshold were recruited to enter a program to change BMI which consisted of 6 activities: (1) provided knowledge on obesity regarding nutritional, physical, and emotional symptoms, (2) provided knowledge on hypertension and diabetes, (3) encouraged capacities and skills to selfexercise (4) physical examination to record weight, BMI, and waist circumference, (5) utilized idols for positive thinking, and (6) exchanged experiences among samples. Data were collected by conducting interview using behavioral questionnaires. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics; and comparative analysis was conducted with paired T-test and Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test for assessing the differences in weight, body mass index, and waist circumference before and after the study. It was found that, within 4 months, the program promoting self-management of healthy behavioral change had significantly reduced the body mass index and weight (p<0.05). The level of knowledge on hypertension and diabetes was significantly higher after the both before and after using the program, there was a significant difference in statistic at 0.05.