Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to develop a program applying participatory action-oriented training (PAOT) methods for the management of cardiovascular disease risk factors and to assess its effectiveness in the workplace.
METHODS
The cardiovascular disease risk factors of 817 workers in the workplace were assessed, and periodic health examination was conducted. Sixty-four workers (7.8%) were selected as a moderate-risk group and high risk group, and performed the participatory approach program for cardiovascular disease preventive management.
RESULTS
The sixty-four workers who participated in the participatory approach program made a total of 246 action plans, 3.8 action plans per person and 115 action plans were achieved after three months, so that 46.7% of action plans have been achieved. In the intervention group that participated in the program, the rate of smoking decreased from 36.2% to 8.6% and systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased from 140.0+/-9.4 mmHg to 134.2+/-12.3 mmHg and from 92.6+/-7.1 mmHg to 80.0+/-9.8 mmHg respectfully. In addition, risk factor score also decreased by 0.3, whereas the control group who did not participate in the program also showed a significant reduction in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Regular exercise increased from 8.5% to 16.0%.
CONCLUSIONS
To improve the effectiveness of the participatory approach program for the management of cardiovascular disease risk factors, the need to continues implementing programs and analysis of the long-term effects are required.

• Keywords: Participatory action-oriented training (PAOT);Participatory approach program;Cardiovascular disease preventive management