Behavior modification in health personnel with dyslipidemia and increased body mass index at Phrachomklao Hospital Phetchaburi Province

Abstract

          Dyslipidemia and increased body mass index are important risk factors of cardiovascular disease and causes of death. Action to reduce the severity of these conditions thus plays a major role.

          This research aimed to study the effect of behavior modification in dyslipidemia and increased body mass index.

          An action research was performed in health personnel more than 35 years of age at Phrachomklao Hospital Phetchaburi Province who had annual health checkup. Those with dyslipidemia and increased body mass index participated in a 3-day workshop concerning dyslipidemia, body mass index, nutrition, exercise and management of mental stress, followed by weekly group activity for 3 months. Questionnaires on lipid lowering behaviors, blood lipid level and body mass index were taken before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-test.

          The result of this study indicated that during January to September 2012, there were 164 persons with dyslipidemia and increased body mass index. Forty persons voluntarily joined the study. Lipid lowering behavior in the best level was 5.0 and 25.0 percent (p-value<0.01), good level 67.5 and 72.5 percent (p-value<0.01), cholesterol 221 and 206 mg/dl (p-value<0.01), and body mass index 26.9 and 25.9 kg/m2 (p-value<0.01) before and after the intervention, respectively.

          Behavior modification could improve dyslipidemia and increased body mass index.