Evaluation of the effects of a health education program on the improvement of hypercholesterolemia

This study examined the effects of a health education program based on the self- reliance and self-action philosophy and the use of group work methodology on hypercholesterolemia during and after the intervention period. Thirty-two people participated in the study. Measurement values were obtained at the commencement of the intervention (Baseline), during the 6-month intervention period, at the end of the 6-month intervention period (Middle Point) and 6 months after Middle Point (End Point). The average number of steps per day significantly increased during the 6-month intervention period. The energy intake and fat intake levels significantly decreased during the 6-month intervention period. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, and atherosclerosis-index levels significantly decreased between Baseline and End Point. The HDL cholesterol levels significantly increased between Baseline and End Point. Statistically significant decrease was also observed in total cholesterol and atherosclerosis-index levels between Baseline and Middle Point, and between Middle Point and End Point. It is concluded that the health education program based on self-reliance and self-action philosophy using a group work methodology is effective for improving hypercholesterolemia. Especially, the improvement in the serum total cholesterol and atherosclerosis-index levels was sustained even after the intervention period.