Capacity Development for Pre-Hypertension in Pratuchangtok Community, Thaiburi Sub-District, Thasala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a model to build capacity for the prevention and control of hypertension in Pratuchangtok Community, Thaiburi Sub-District, Thasala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The study method included observation, in-depth interview, focus group discussion and evaluation of blood pressure level. Hypertension was identified by the community as an important health problem which required an urgent control action. Sixty community members at risk of hypertension were selected to participate in process which included workshops, group discussions, trainings, and skill building. The process was conducted in four phases: phase 1 - preparation of research assistants, selection of study site, and community assessment; phase 2 - community health diagnosis; phase 3- programme implementation using quasi-experimental technique approach to improve knowledge on hypertension prevention and encouraging participants’ potential in implementation through focus group discussion and community participation; and phase 4 - evaluation of programme implementation and its impact on participants’ behavior and blood pressure level. It was found that after the intervention, participants had significantly better knowledge and desirable health behaviours (p<0.01). As for the outcomes on blood pressure at the end of the intervention, there were 2 participants with optimal blood pressure (systolic pressure <120 and diastolic <80), 48 participants with normal blood pressure (systolic pressure 120-129 and/or diastolic 80-84), and 10 participants with high-normal blood pressure (systolic pressure 130 -139 or and/ diastolic 85-89).