The Effect of Education Based on BASNEF Model on Lifestyle in Patients with Hypertension

Background Hypertension is a major health problem in all communities that is closely associated with lifestyle. Different educational models have been used to improve the lifestyle in these patients. However, inconsistent results have been reported. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effect of education based on the BASNEF model on lifestyle in patients with essential hypertension. Methods This single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2015 on 80 patients with essential hypertension. The intervention group received five sessions of training based on the BASNEF model, while the control group received routine care. A two-part instrument was used in this study. The first part included a demographic questionnaire and the second part comprised the life style questionnaire (LSQ). The LSQ was responded in two times, i.e. before and one month after the intervention. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and analysis of covariance were used to analyze the data. Results The mean score of lifestyle in the intervention group was 121.80 at the start of the study that changed to 149.60 (with an increase of 27.8) after the intervention (P < 0/001). However, the mean score of lifestyle did not significantly change in the control group (126.55 vs. 122.78). The greatest improvements were observed in the areas of nutrition and weight management, sports and fitness, physical health, disease prevention, and mental health, in sequence. Conclusions Using a training program based on the BASNEF model was effective in improving the lifestyle in patients with hypertension. Thus, this model of behavior modification can be used as an inexpensive and applicable method in modification of lifestyle and behavior change in patients with hypertension.