Effectiveness of community-based intervention using PATCH on disease perception, empowerment, and self-care in hypertension: a community trial protocol.

Abstract

Background: Hypertension plays a significant role in the global burden of cardiovascular diseases. The planned approach to community health (PATCH), as a community-based framework, highlights community participation in decision-making. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a community-based intervention using the PATCH on disease perception, empowerment, self-care behaviors, and blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Methods: This study will be a parallel randomized community trial. Twelve comprehensive rural health service centers (CRHSCs) are randomly selected as clusters. A total sample size of 428 individuals (214 in the intervention group and 214 in the control group) with hypertension covered by CRHSCs will be selected through cluster random sampling. The PATCH framework, developed by the Centers for Disease Control, will be employed to organize the community and empower it to address the issue in the intervention group. The control group will receive only the routine programs provided by the health system. Three months after the intervention, the outcome of hypertension perception will be assessed via the Disease Perception Questionnaire developed by Kamran et al., and empowerment will be measured via the Perceived Control Scale designed by Israel. Six months after the intervention, self-care behaviors will be evaluated through the Self-Care Behavior Assessment Questionnaire created by Han et al., and blood pressure will be assessed using a standard sphygmomanometer. Data analysis will be conducted via SPSS software version 20, which applies univariate and multivariate linear regression tests.

Discussion: The protocol aligns with health policies in the domain of noncommunicable diseases, emphasizing sustainable and participatory approaches. If proven effective, the findings can be utilized in educational programs and policymaking efforts, paving the way for the broader implementation of community-based interventions. Moreover, this framework can empower social groups to take an active role in combating noncommunicable diseases, and if effective, its application could yield long-term health benefits for individuals and communities.

Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), IRCT20231213060354N1. Registered on December 24, 2023. https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/74453.