Abstract
This action research was aimed at studying a behavior-adaptation model through a
group process for cardiovascular disease prevention. The sample population comprised
395 civil servants in Khirimat district of Sukhothai Province, who voluntarily participated in the research; they were divided into 30 sub-groups. All groups had an explicitly
defined structure and relationship, including group activities. Knowledge and support
staff were provided continuously by the hospital. In addition, the subjects also exchanged
group experiences regarding their activities. The research was conducted during the period June 1 to October 1, 2006. Data on the knowledge gained on health behavior and
health status improvement were collected. The data were compared and analyzed by
using a simple statistical method, such as percentage, mean, and standard deviation, and
then tested for significance by using the paired t-test.
The results revealed an improvement in eating behavior among the sample population. The questionnaire results showed that frequent or daily consumption of meat or
pork with fat decreased respectively from 12.56 percent and 2.53 percent to 5.50 percent
and 2.62 percent, frequent or daily consumption of giblets decreased respectively from
4.20 percent and 4.20 percent to 1.84 percent and 2.06 percent, that of consuming egg yolk
and egg products decreased respectively from 21.19 percent and 2.33 percent to 14.02
percent and 1.59 percent, frequent or daily consumption of vegetables increased from
8.14 percent and 1.57 percent to 39.07 percent and 36.76 percent and frequent or daily
consumption of fruits increased respectively from 41.24 percent and 21.13 percent to 37.17
percent and 28.86 percent.
At the end of the research it was found that the sample population exercised regularly. They had increased their level of exercise from 31.3 percent to 40.7 percent, reduced their cigarette smoking from 11.65 percent to 8.6 percent. In measuring those who
stopped consuming alcohol, the change was in the opposite direction, i.e., from 57.5 percent to 68.1 percent. Knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors was tested for statistical significance, and the difference was found at p<0.05. Other risk factors, such as waist
circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol and triglyceride
levels, were reduced significantly at p<0.05.
In conclusion, the group activities undertaken as part of the research improved the
knowledge and health behavior, with regard to cardiovascular risk prevention, of Khirimat
civil servants as the sample population. We recommend that the behavior adaptation
model can be applied and developed for civil servants in other areas.
