Effects of the Participatory Action Research on Health Behaviors and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome Among Nursing Department Personnel at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome of Private Hospital in Bangkok

Abstract

This study employed a participatory action research (PAR) design using a one-group pretest– posttest with follow-up assessment. The objectives were to compare mean scores of 3-Self health behaviors and metabolic syndrome risk factors before and after participation in the participatory action research intervention, as well as at follow-up ,among nursing personnel at a private hospital. The sample consisted of 50 nursing personnel aged 35-59 years who had at least three of the five metabolic risk components according to the IDF and AHA/NHLBI (2009) criteria, selected through purposive sampling. The study was conducted over 24 weeks, with health promotion program involving participant engagement for 12-weeks. These program comprising personalized health-risk information, nutrition and exercise education, individualized in-depth interviews, group discussions, and ongoing communication through a LINE group. Data were collected at week 12 and follow-up at week 24. Research instruments included a manual on knowledge and preventive behaviors for metabolic syndrome ,a personal information questionnaire, a 3-Self health behavior assessment form, and health data collection tools for metabolic syndrome risk assessment . Content validity was verified by three experts (IOC=.67-1.00)and reliabilities of .92, .79, and .76, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA. The findings revealed that : 1) participants’ mean scores for 3-Self health behaviors at post intervention and follow-up were significantly higher than at baseline (p < .05); 2) participants’ mean metabolic syndrome risk factors (MetS), including waist circumference and body mass index were significantly lower at post- intervention and follow-up compared to baseline (p < .05), while HDL levels significantly increased at post- intervention and follow-up compared to baseline (p < .05). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly increased at post- intervention and follow-up compared to baseline (p < .05), while systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and triglycerides levels decreased but not significantly.