A preliminary study on the health promotion outcomes of high-risk hypertensive freshmen

This preliminary study identified the outcomes of a health promotion program encompassing health education (2 hours) and case management for 4 weeks applied to high-risk hypertensive freshmen (systolic blood pressure, ≥ 160 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 100 mmHg) at a university located in Southern Taiwan. Twenty-two freshmen participated and data were collected at baseline and 4 weeks later, after the program. Outcome indicators included biologic (blood pressure, body weight and body fat composition) and healthy lifestyle characteristics (assessed using the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile [HPLP] and case management documentation). The Wilcoxon signed rank test showed that systolic blood pressure, body weight, and four subscales of the HPLP, health responsibility, interpersonal support, nutrition, and exercise, had improved significantly. This program could be used as a reference to refine further health promotion programs in the university.