Introduction:
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases thus, effective education is required in order to enhance hypertensive patients’ lifestyles. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle education on hypertensive patients’ knowledge and performance.
Materials and Methods:
This quasi-experimental study was performed on 40 patients with essential hypertension who were selected by convenient sampling in Peymanieh Hospital in Jahrom City during 2011-2012. The data collection tool consisted of a researcher-made questionnaire and cheek list which were completed by the patients one month before and after the intervention. Intervention was conducted by written and oral educational programs. Findings were analyzed by SPSS 17.0 and paired T-test.
Results:
Participants consisted of 24 women (60%) and 16 men (40%) with the mean age of 64.50±11.70. The means of patients’ knowledge and performance were respectively 5.59±0.91 and 11.89±2.65 before educational intervention. The same means changed to 6.58±1.15 and 13.28±1.78 after the educational intervention which revealed a significant relationship (P>0.05). The difference between the means of blood pressure before and after the intervention were statistically significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion:
Lifestyle education enhances hypertensive patients’ knowledge and Performance. Hence, it is suggested to employ educational programs targeting nutrition, exercise, stress, smoking, disease and the regular use of medicines among these patients in order to improve their knowledge and behavior.