Effectiveness of a Participatory Program for Improving the Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Health of Older Farmers in Rural Korea

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a participatory approach to the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular (CCV) health of older farmers in rural Korea. Methods: A nonequivalent control group pretest–posttest design was used. Participants included 58 farmers aged ≥ 60 years who were assigned to either an experimental group (n = 28) or a comparative group (n = 30). The experimental group took part in the participatory program for CCV health, while the comparative group received a conventional lecture program for CCV health. The two groups, from pretest to posttest, were compared using the generalized estimating equation (GEE) method. Results: The participatory program showed a greater effect over time than the conventional lecture program for health empowerment (Χ(2) = 7.92, p = 0.005) and self-efficacy in managing CCV health (Χ(2) = 5.94, p = 0.015). The average rate of implemented improvements after 3 months was 88.9%, showing that the participatory program was successful. Conclusions: The participatory program for CCV health was an effective intervention for the empowerment and self-efficacy of older farmers in managing their own CCV health. Therefore, we recommend replacing lectures with participatory methods in CCV health programs for older farmers.