Effect of a Health Literacy Enhancement Program on Stroke Prevention Behaviors and Blood Pressure among Older Adults with Hypertension in Mai Riang Subdistrict, Chawang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a health literacy enhancement program on stroke prevention behaviors and blood pressure among older adults with hypertension in Mai Rieang Subdistrict, Chawang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed. The participants were older adults aged 60 years or more diagnosed with hypertension by a physician and had been registered patients for at least one year. Participants were divided into two groups. The study group consisted of 32 older adults from Mai Rieang Subdistrict, and the comparison group consisted of 32 older adults from La-ai Subdistrict. The experimental group received a 12-week health literacy enhancement program developed based on the K-Shape literacy concept, delivered once per week with 2 hours per session. The study assessed the outcomes including knowledge on stroke, health literacy in stroke prevention (covering five domains including access, understanding, appraisal, decision-making, and application), and stroke prevention behavior. Average blood pressure over seven consecutive days was measured in the study group only at weeks 1, 6, and 12 Results: After the intervention, the study group showed significantly higher mean scores in stroke knowledge, all five domains of health literacy, and stroke prevention behaviors compared to those before the intervention and compared to those of the control group (P< 0.05). Furthermore, systolic blood pressure in the study group significantly decreased after the program compared to baseline level (P<0.05). However, diastolic blood pressure remained the same (P>0.05). Conclusion: The health literacy enhancement program was effective in improving knowledge, skills, and behaviors related to stroke prevention among older adults with hypertension. The program enabled older adults to better access, understand, and apply health information appropriately, possibly leading to positive health behavior changes. These improvements may contribute to a reduced risk of stroke and associated complications in the future.