The Effect of a Self-Efficacy-Based Education Program on Blood Pressure Control in Patients with Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Regarding the high prevalence of hypertension and the significance of its control by patients, the present study aimed to specify the effect of a self-efficacy-based education program on blood pressure control in patients with hypertension. Methods: In a quasi-experimental clinical trial study, 80 patients with high blood pressure were divided into two equal groups of 40 patients. The self-efficacy strategies were trained in the intervention group while no intervention was offered in the control group. The patients filled out the Sherer General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale before and three months after the intervention. Moreover, the patients’ blood pressure was measured and compared before and three months after the intervention. Findings: In intervention group, the mean systolic blood pressure was 136.7 ± 15.9 and 124.3 ± 13.3 mmHg before and after the intervention, respectively, which significantly decreased (P = 0.001). In control group, the mean systolic blood pressure was 134.0 ± 8.18 and 134.8 ± 9.5 mmHg before and after the intervention, respectively, which showed no significant difference (P = 0.790). The changes in the self-efficacy score were significantly higher in the intervention group as compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Moreover, comparison of the stress score of two groups indicated a significant difference in this regard (P <0.001). Conclusion: Self-efficacy seems to be effective in controlling patients’ blood pressure, and be regarded as a pre-requisite for appropriate behavior. To put concisely, self-efficacy enhancement strategies can be employed to control blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Keywords

• Blood pressure
• Self efficacy
• Physiological stress