Effectiveness of health management among individuals at high risk of stroke: An intervention study based on the health ecology model and self-determination theory (HEM-SDT)

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the second leading cause of death in adults worldwide. However, up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by modifying risk factors. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Health Ecology Model and Self-Determination Theory (HEM-SDT) based health management intervention among individuals at high risk of stroke. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Zhengzhou from May 1st, 2020, to December 31st, 2020. A total of 229 participants were recruited for the study, with 116 individuals at high risk of stroke being randomly assigned to the HEM-SDT health management group, while 113 participants were enrolled in the control group, following their current routine practices. The Generalized Estimating Equation model (GEE) was used to analyze the differences in health knowledge, belief and, behavior between the two groups at the beginning of the intervention, and at 6-month intervals after the intervention. The chi-square test was utilized to assess the control rate of risk factors. RESULTS: After 6 months of intervention, there were significant improvements in health knowledge, behavior, and belief among the participants. The study found significant differences in the interaction effects between time and group for health knowledge (Mean, SD = 25.62 ± 3.88, 95%CI: 7.944–9.604, P＜0.001), health belief (Mean, SD = 87.18 ± 14.21, 95%CI: 23.999–29.887, P＜0.001), and health behavior (Mean, SD = 173.28 ± 24.22, 95%CI: 22.332–36.904, P＜0.001). Additionally, the rates of hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, high or medium risk condition of stroke, obesity, hyperhomocysteinemia, smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise also showed statistical significance (P＜0.05) after the intervention. CONCLUSION: The HEM-SDT health management model improves the health knowledge, behavior, and beliefs in people at high risk of stroke and remarkably it shows improvement in modifiable risk factors. It can be recommended for systematic health management in people at high-risk of stroke.