ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of "Health Belief Model (HBM)-based education" and "education and motivational interviews (MIs)" by comparing the two methods on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and healthy lifestyle behaviour changes of patients diagnosed with essential hypertension. METHODS: The study was a single-centre, single-blind, parallel-group, 6-month follow-up, randomized controlled trial. It was conducted on 80 individuals (40 in the study group, 40 in the control group). Both groups received HBM-based education and an educational booklet on healthy lifestyle behaviour changes at the beginning of the study. Additionally, the study group underwent a total of 6 MIs. RESULTS: The decrease in the study group's 10-year Framingham CVD risk scores (mean difference 5,33) compared to the baseline values was higher than that observed in the control group (mean difference 3,95). Over the six-month follow-up period, the study group's knowledge of CVD risk factors increased, and healthy lifestyle behaviour improved. CONCLUSION: HBM-based education and an educational booklet, either alone or in combination with MI, supported patients with essential hypertension in lowering their CVD risk through lifestyle modifications. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare professionals within primary healthcare settings can use HBM-based health education and short-term MIs to reduce CVD risk and improve health outcomes.
