EFFECTIVENESS OF AN INTEGRATED LAUGHTER MILD PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND DIETARY SELF-CONTROL PROGRAM IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS PATHUM THANI THAILAND

Abstract

The LPD program (L: laughter, P: mild Physical activity, D: Dietary self-control) is a nonpharmacological treatment, designed for hypertensive patients in community based-care which was based on the concept of self-efficacy. The general objective of this randomized control study was to develop an integrated laughter, mild physical activity, and dietary self-control program (LPD Program) for hypertensive patients in Pathum Thani, Thailand. The specific objectives of this research were to 1) compare the clinical parameters (blood pressure and serum lipid profile) between hypertensive patients in the intervention group and the control group, 2) to compare knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding hypertension between the intervention and control groups, 3) to compare the clinical parameters (blood pressure and serum lipid profile) within groups before and after implementation of the LPD Program, and 4) to compare knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding hypertension within groups before and after implementation of the LPD Program. The sample of this study was 69 participants, aged 50-80 years, were randomly assigned to the intervention groups (n = 34) and the control group (n = 35). The study examinations included blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding hypertension. The concept of self-efficacy in the intervention group receiving the LPD program consisted of group health education, group exercise, and individual dietary self-control. Also, individual home visits and leaflets were utilized to remind each participant of the scheduled LPD program. The measurements of dependent variables were conducted three times: at baseline, after the intervention (three months), and during the follow-up period (6 months). In-depth interview was asked for LPD program sustainability before closing the study. Data were analyzed using Chi square, t-test, and repeated-measure ANOVA. The findings showed a significant improvement in clinical parameters (systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, LDL, and HDL) including KAP (knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding hypertension). It was concluded that the LPD program could enable hypertensive patients to control their blood pressure, improve serum lipid, increase knowledge, promote positive attitude, and enhance their practice to control hypertension.