Perspectives Regarding Adherence to Preventive Behaviors : A Qualitative Study of Thais with Prehypertension
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Poor adherence to preventive behaviors can lead to recurrence of diseases. Despite current interventions to assist patients’ adherence to preventive routines, there has been minimal improvement in their behaviors. However, in Thailand few research studies have been done to describe adherence to preventive behaviors and this study in particular sought to explore the characteristic adherence regarding preventive behaviors of Thais with prehypertension. A descriptive, qualitative method using in-depth interviews with nine participants who self-identified as being successful in adherence to preventive behaviors was used. Participants were recruited from three selected primary health care units located in three provinces in southern Thailand. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Three main themes of adherence to preventive behaviors were identified as being 1) commitment to active participation, with 3 sub-themes (intentional action, expected success, and self-discipline), 2) persistence in practicing preventive behaviors, with 2 sub-themes (repeated action and regular pattern), and 3) maintenance of desired preventive behaviors, with 2 sub-themes (long-term behavior changes and sensations of well-being). The results supported that adherence to preventive behaviors is a multidimensional behavior involving exercise, dietary control, and stress management. This finding may influence how nurses and other health care providers design intervention programs that are congruent with social and cultural contexts for enhancing adherence to preventive behaviors.
Institution: Prince of Songkla University
Language: English
Subfield: Family Practice
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2408003412