Development of a Health Promotion Model to Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases for Provincial Police Officers Working in a Province, Southern Thailand

Abstract

This participatory action research (PAR) study explored the health situations and behaviors of provincial police officers in southern Thailand to develop a health promotion model for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase I, quantitative data were collected from 91 officers using surveys to assess their health literacy, CVD prevention behaviors, and CVD risk levels. Qualitative data were collected from 27 officers through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Phase II involved 51 officers and 28 stakeholders who participated in focus groups and interviews to refine the health promotion model. Content analysis was used to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. The results showed that:

1. while most officers had multiple CVD risk factors, their short-term (10-year) risk of CVD death or illness was low. Self-reported health literacy was fair to poor, and overall health behaviors were fair. Qualitative data confirmed a mix of healthy and unhealthy habits.

2. The three-stage health promotion model developed through this PAR process addresses: 1) raising awareness about the need for change, 2) setting goals for modifying health behaviors, and 3) promoting self-care sustainability through organizational and family support. After six months of participation, over half of the officers reported improved health literacy (good to very good), and all participants demonstrated positive behavior changes to reduce CVD risk factors. Additionally, 47.06% and 31.37% of officers showed reductions in CVD risk scores and risk levels, respectively.

This study highlights the importance of awareness as a starting point for behavior change to reduce CVD risk factors among police officers. Furthermore, the model emphasizes the crucial role of family and organizational support in sustaining healthy behaviors.