Abstract:
This quasi-experimental study was conducted to examine self-care behavior among monks with Metabolic syndrome in Bangkok Metropolitan. A total of 60 subjects, who met inclusion and exclusion criteria and lived in the four temples in Bangkok Metropolitan, were randomly assigned to be in an experimental (n=30) and a comparison groups (n=30). The experimental group received a 6-week self-care promoting program, consisting 1) Raising awareness about Metabolic Syndrome 2) Setting goals and Self-care plan 3) Health education and skill training in diet control, Increase physical activity, and avoid risk factors regarding Metabolic syndrome, 4) Weekly telephone follow up 5) Group discussion and evaluation of self-care. The comparison group received regular services from the primary health care center. Data were collected by the researcher using questionnaires and blood chemistry tests were done before and after the intervention. According to t-test analysis, the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores of self-care behavior than before the intervention, and those in the comparison group (p-value < .05). In addition the experimental group had better body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and clinical outcomes including: blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and LDL cholesterol had significantly higher mean scores than the intervention group (p-value < .05) The findings support that the self-care promoting program, applying the Orem's Self-care Theory, can increase self-care behavior among the monks with Metabolic syndrome in Bangkok Metropolitan. A community nurse practitioner should use this program to promote self-care among the monks with Metabolic syndrome or with other chronic diseases in other urban communities. A further study should examine the retention of self-care behavior and the long term effects of the program on clinical outcomes