RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Most effective interventions to control coronary heart disease (CHD) and prevent negative outcomes involve behavioral modification. This study examined how such modification based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) might improve lifestyle and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A total of 120 people with CHD seeking help at a general hospital in Iran were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Information was collected using an HBM-specific questionnaire and the Health Promoting Lifestyle II (HPLP-II) scale. Clinical outcomes (blood pressure, body mass index, and fasting blood sugar) were also measured. The intervention group received a tailored education based on HBM principles plus routine care, while those in the control group received only routine care. Three months after the intervention, both groups were reassessed using Student's t test and analysis of covariance. RESULTS: All HBM subscale scores indicated significant improvements in the intervention group, in contrast to the control group, where scores worsened or stayed the same. Perceived severity and susceptibility were the dimensions that changed most. Total score on the HPLP-II improved significantly in the intervention group (p < 0.001, F = 747.5); however, subscale scores on spiritual growth and interpersonal relationships did not demonstrate significant between-group differences at follow-up. After adjustment for baseline scores, significant improvements in lifestyle subscales were also accompanied by significant improvements in clinical measures. CONCLUSIONS: This HBM-based behavior modification program improved both lifestyle and clinical measures in patients with CHD. Utilizing this program in patients with other cardiovascular diseases may in the future demonstrate similar results.
