The impact of group discussion with high school youth on lifestyle of their parents having high blood pressure

Abstract

Background: Inadequate attention to health education and lifestyle modification are major barriers to prevention, control and treatment of high blood pressure. This study investigated the effects of group discussion with high school youth on lifestyle of their parents who have hypertension. Methods: 61 high school boys and their parents were divided into two groups. 8 sessions of group discussion for a month, regarding the need for lifestyle modification in hypertensive patients, was designed for students in the intervention group. Lifestyle changes investigated via measuring of body mass index and scales of drug consumption, frequency of blood pressure measurements , walking and feeding patterns questionnaire in month before and two months after intervention. Results : At the end of study, mean of BMI in intervention group 0/408±0/401 and control group 0/096±0/273 decreased. Independent T-test showed statistically significant difference between groups (P>0.01). 74/2% of the parent of intervention group and 33/3% of control group at the end of study took their medication regularly. Chi-square showed significant difference between groups (P>0.01). At the end of study, these statistical tests also showed significantly difference between the experimental group and control group, regarding consumption salt, oil, sugar, white meat, vegetables and dairy products. Conclusion: Group discussion with high school students is effective on BMI, diet, regular walking and taking anti-hypertensive drugs by the parents.