THE EFFECTS OF AN INTEGRATED SAVINGS AND COMMUNITY BASED HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH HYPERTENSION: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL CONTROLLED STUDY

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of savings and health education model (SHE model) Program, which is an integrate savings and community based health education for older adults with hypertension at Sai Mai and Klong Sam Wa district, Bangkok, Thailand. Methods: Of 59 older adults with stage II of hypertension were recruited, aged 50 - 60 years old. SHE model was developed based on integrated savings and community health education principle and was implemented into both experimental groups through six months. Measurement tools which consisted of six parts and in-depth interview were used to access the effectiveness of SHE model. Results: Knowledge on hypertension no significant difference (p = .027) between the three groups pre intervention. Negative attitudes towards care and control (p = .108) had a positive correlate with practices (p = 203). Systolic blood pressure – negative attitudes and practices were inversely related to diastolic blood pressure (p = .017). However, knowledge, attitudes, and practices recorded improvements in all groups after intervention (p = .001), compared to the control group. Blood pressures were improvements (p = .001) resulted post intervention. Community savings funds and effects on blood pressure control no material impact recorded from quasi-experimental study. Conclusion and discussion: Improved hypertension health education effects had the most significant impact in controlling the disease in the community. More intension efforts in health education such as widespread dissemination of information, greater depth of education, would have a large impact on this disease.