| The purpose of this study was to determine if individuals with hypertension who received a Health Promotion Program exhibited higher self-efficacy, more health promotion behaviors and had lower blood pressure measurements than individuals who did not receive a Health Promotion Program. The Health Promotion Model provided the study's theoretical framework. Previous research demonstrated that self-efficacy is a major predictor of health promoting behaviors.;A quasi-experimental exploratory pretest-posttest control design was utilized. The Treatment Group received a Health Promotion Program one hour per week for four weeks in addition to traditional medical care. The Control Group received traditional medical care only. The Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale, The General Self-Efficacy Subscale, the Health Promoting Lifestyle II was used, including the six subscales of Health Responsibility, Physical Activity, Nutrition, Spiritual Growth, Internal Relations, and Stress Management were used at baseline, at the conclusion of the Health Promotion Program or four weeks after baseline, and four weeks after the Health Promotion Program or eight weeks post baseline. A pill count and blood pressure measurements were also conducted at each data collection session.;The study sample consisted of 87 subjects completing baseline, 1 st, and 2nd post-tests (Treatment Group = 52; Control = 35) and 104 completing baseline and 1st post test only (Treatment = 58; Control Group = 46). The majority of subjects were elderly, retired, married, Caucasion females. The significance level was alpha = .05. Statistically significant differences within the Treatment Group for General Self-Efficacy, Health Promotion Lifestyle, Health Responsibility, Physical Activity, Stress Management, and lower blood pressures than baseline were noted. The General Self-Efficacy and Physical Activity were significantly greater within the Control Group. Nutrition was significantly greater at baseline within the Treatment and Control Groups than at 1st and 2nd post-test measurements. The significant differences between the Treatment and Control Groups were Physical Activity, Interpersonal Relationships, and Stress Management. The majority of the differences were evident at the 2 nd post-test. Medication compliance rates were low but not significantly different within or between the groups.;The Health Promotion Program did seem to influence changes within the Treatment Group. Low power suggests that the insignificant findings between the groups be reviewed with caution. Task-specific self-efficacy measures may enhance differences. Nutrition and medication administration need further investigation, as well as social support. |
