Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Behaviors among Rangsit University Staff with Prehypertension

Abstract

This descriptive correlational study aimed to examine factors associated with cardiovascular disease prevention behaviors among 100 university staff with prehypertension. The study employed Pender's Health Promotion Model as the conceptual framework. Data were collected using eight questionnaires covering demographic information, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy, commitment to a plan of action, social support, situational influences, and cardiovascular disease prevention behaviors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient.

The findings revealed that overall cardiovascular disease prevention behaviors were at a moderate level. Factors demonstrating significant positive correlations with health behaviors included situational influences (r = .629, p < .001), perceived self-efficacy (r = .430, p < .001), social support (r = .393, p < .001), commitment to a plan of action (r = .361, p < .001), and perceived benefits (r = .266,    p < .01), whereas perceived barriers showed a significant negative correlation (r = -.370, p < .001). The findings indicate that cardiovascular disease prevention behaviors among university staff are associated with multiple factors. Therefore, organizations should prioritize creating supportive environments, enhancing self-efficacy, fostering social support networks, and reducing barriers to the adoption of health promoting behaviors among university staff.