The Effectiveness of Educational Intervention Based on the Information-motivation-behavioral Skills Model in Improving Self-care Behaviors of Patients With Hypertension

Hypertension, particularly in developing countries, is associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. It can be managed by lifestyle modification, proper dietary regimen, and enhanced self-care behaviors. This study aims to examine the effect of an educational intervention based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model on improving self-care behaviors of patients with hypertension in Iran.

This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2022 on 250 patients with hypertension in Darab County, divided into two groups of intervention (n=125) and control (n=125). The sampling was done using a random sampling method. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire with acceptable validity and reliability measuring demographic information, the IMB model constructs, and self-care behaviors. Four training sessions, each for 60 minutes, were held for the participants and their family members in the intervention group. A post-test assessment was conducted two months after the educational intervention. Independent t-test, paired t-test, and analysis of covariance were used in SPSS software, version 22 to analyze the data.

After the education, a statistically significant difference was observed between the intervention and control groups in all IMB model constructs, including knowledge, motivation, individual skills, and self-care behaviors (P<0.001). In the intervention group, a significant difference was also reported in all study variables before and after the education. The highest increase after education was in the motivation domain.

The IMB model-based educational program can improve the self-care behaviors of patients with hypertension, which can reduce disease complications. if doctors and health workers teach self-care behaviors to hypertensive patients using the IMB model, it can effectively control their blood pressure.