Abstract:
This study aimed to study the factors that affected cardiovascular disease (CVD) preventive behaviors in a high-risk patient group in Samutprakarn province. The research model was a cross-sectional descriptive study, using the Protection Motivation Theory. Samples were selected from a patient group in Samutprakarn province who were considered to be at high risk for the development of CVD. From these, 220 people were randomly selected by cluster random sampling. Data was collected using an interview form and was analyzed using a chi - squared test, to assess relationships, and by Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis to determine predictability. Results were expressed as means ± standard deviation. The results indicate that, for this patient group, which has a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, the CVD preventative behavior level was between moderate and good, (49.1%; xˉ = 45.0, S.D. = 5.652). The statistically significant factors related to CVD preventive behavior in the high- risk patient group in Samutprakarn province included: gender, perceived susceptibility, response efficacy, and self-efficacy. Predictors of CVD preventive behavior for this group included gender and self-efficacy, and accounted for 51.2% of variance (p-value <0.05). The results of this study could be used to plan a program to prevent CVD in high-risk patient groups. By increasing their self-efficacy in CVD prevention practiced behaviors, including eating, exercise and stress management practices, it may be possible to optimize their cardiovascular disease prevention behavior.