Design and Implementation of Self-Care Package for Hypertension Based on Transtheoretical Model: A Study Protocol

Abstract

Background. Hypertension is one of the most common and preventable diseases worldwide. The most effective way to control blood pressure is the patient's adaptation to self-care behaviors. In this regard, teaching the principles of self-care without considering the challenges of behavior change cannot be effective enough. Considering that most previous studies have been limited to self-care education, ignoring effective psychological approaches in behavior change, this study aims to design a blood pressure management protocol based on transtheoretical model and determine its effectiveness in patients with high blood pressure. Methods. This study will be conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the management protocol of blood pressure will be designed based on the transtheoretical model using the literature review and expert panel opinions. Then the content of the educational package will be compiled. The second stage will include the intervention and evaluation of the effectiveness of the self-care protocol, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life in patients with hypertension, which will be conducted through including two intervention and control groups. The information will be collected using questionnaires related to self-care, stages of change, quality of life, and self-efficacy. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. Conclusion. In Iranian society, adherence to treatment in patients with hypertension is low. Thus, implementing a self-care protocol based on the comprehensive theory of changing behavior such as transtheoretical model can be effective in improving self-efficacy, self-care, and quality of life in patients with hypertension.