Cardiovascular Prevention Behaviors among Middle-aged Women Living in Banladsrabua Yangtalad District, Kalasin Province, Thailand

Abstract

Purpose: To explore cardiovascular prevention behaviors among middle-aged women living in Ban Ladsrabua, Yangtalad District, Kalasin Province, Thailand.

Design: Descriptive research.

Methods: Seventy-nine middle-aged women aged between 40-60 years living in Ban Ladsrabua, Yangtalad District, Kalasin Province were recuited. Data were collected using instruments: a body weight scale, measuring tapes, a sphygmomanometer, general data form, and a cardiovascular prevention behaviors questionnaire containing the items about food consumption, exercise, and stress management behavior. Frequency, percentage, X and SD were used to analyze the data.

Main findings: Most of middle-aged women in the study had over body mass index (63.30%), waist circumstance larger than 80 centimeters (65.80%), systolic blood pressure over 140 mmHg (17.72%), and diastolic blood pressure over 90 mmHg (18.98%). Prevention behaviors for cardiovascular disease was at moderate level (X = 3.78, SD = 0.36), food consumption behaviors at moderate level (X = 4.06, SD = 0.35), exercise behaviors at moderate level (X = 3.68, SD = 0.83), and stress management behaviors at moderate level (X = 3.52, SD = 0.58).

Conclusion and recommendations: Middle-aged women living in Ban Ladsrabua, Yangtalad

District, Kalasin Province are at risk of cardiovascular disease. Proactive health services to promote cardiovascular prevention behaviors such as having healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper stress management are encouraged.