Abstract

Background Prehypertension is a commonly occurring disease around the world as a predictor of high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be delayed by following the pre-hypertensive diet. This study was conducted to determine the compliance of the DASH program among pre-hypertension individuals by using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 165 prehypertension individuals in Ferdows City. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to examine the scores of the theory of protection motivation structures. The diet was measured by using a three-day dietary questionnaire. Validity and reliability of the instrument were confirmed. The data were analyzed by means of correlation coefficient, chi-square, and linear regression. Results: The average Dash diet compliance was 25.24 +/- 4.7. Demographic variables did not have a meaningful relationship with the Dash diet. The positive and direct correlation was observed between all the structures. The structures of Theory of Planned Behavior predicted 72 of variance in behavioral intention. The role of the attitude construct was more than other constructs in predict of intention (beta=0.392). Conclusion: Considering the medium rate of compliance of the diet plan and TPB function in predicting behavior, it is suggested to use predictive constructs in designing educational interventions in order to increase the compliance rate of the food program.