Effectiveness of a community-based health promotion program targeting people with hypertension and high cholesterol

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based health promotion program targeting people with hypertension and high cholesterol. A pre-experimental study was conducted. A total of 60 residents were recruited to participate. Participants were assessed at baseline and at a 6 month follow up at a regional hospital in northern Taiwan. The questionnaires used for data collection consisted of an assessment of self-efficacy, self-care activities, health outcomes, and physical fitness. Several teaching resources were used, including a DVD, a self-care booklet, group support (exercise and counseling sessions), and telephone follow up. A significant decrease in waist circumference (t = 2.20, P = 0.03) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level (t = 4.71, P < 0.00) was found at follow up. Moreover, the level of physical fitness activity, and sit-ups specifically (t = 3.10, P < 0.00), was increased. Participants also showed significant increases between baseline and 6 month follow up in their efficacy expectation score (t = -5.81, P < 0.00), outcome expectation scores (t = -4.76, P < 0.00) and self-care behavior scores (t = -2.78, P = 0.007). The community-based health promotion program is an effective means of helping people with hypertension and high cholesterol and should be instituted regularly and evaluated in clinical practice.