Impact of Education and Text Messages on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Awareness Knowledge and Quality of Life

In this study, a randomized control group pretest-posttest design was used to evaluate the effect of a health education program based on the health belief model and text messages on the level of knowledge, awareness and quality of life regarding cardiovascular disease risk factors in firefighters. The power analysis was applied based on a 5% significance level (or 95% confidence interval), two-way, 80% power requirement. As a result of the analysis, the minimum sample size required for each group (intervention and control) in the study was calculated as 67 people. The intervention group received health education on prevention of cardiovascular disease risk factors based on the Health Belief Model consisting of 3 sessions. Following the health education, a total of 39 reminder text messages were sent via WhatsApp three or four times a week for 12 weeks to increase self-efficacy and health motivation. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and by using the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Awareness Rating Scale, the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Knowledge Level Scale and the EQ-5D Quality of Life Scale. In data analysis, dependent samples t test (paired samples t test) was used for intra-group mean comparisons and independent samples t test (independent samples t test) was used for inter-group mean comparisons.