The Effect of Educational Intervention of Life Style Modification on Blood Pressure Control in Patients with Hypertension

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Today, chronic diseases such as high blood pressure are increasing; this disease is closely associated with lifestyle. Therefore, the current study was conducted to assess the effect of lifestyle modifying educational intervention on blood pressure control in patients with hypertension. Materials and Methods: This Quasi-experimental study was conducted on 210 patients with hypertension, referring to health centers of Shabestar County, Iran in 2016. Patients were assigned into two groups of intervention (n = 105) and control (n = 105) using random multi-stage sampling method. The data was collected using standard life style questionnaire (LSQ) in four dimensions of exercise, weight control, nutrition, and mental and spiritual health, before and two months after the educational intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS-21 using descriptive and inferential statistics, such as chi-squared, paired t-test and independent t-test. Results: The results showed that the mean scores of exercise, weight control, nutrition and mental health in the intervention group increased significantly after the intervention (P< 0.05). However, the changes were not significant in the control group (P> 0.05). Also, the educational intervention had a significant effect on reducing blood pressure in the intervention group compared with the control group (P< 0.05). Conclusions: According to the findings of the study, educational intervention is effective in promoting physical activity, improving weight management, nutrition and mental health in patients with hypertension. In addition, the results indicated that controlled blood pressure can be achieved by improving the lifestyle.