Results Three main themes were identified from the study data regarding adherence to preventive behaviors. Commitment to active participation Commitment to active participation regarding preventive behavior practices was viewed as cognitive process that facilitates adherence to preventive
behaviors. Participation in a preventive behavior program reinforced participants’ willingness to change their behavior and incorporate these preventive activities into their daily lives. Sub-themes supporting “commitment to active participation” include intentional action, expected success, and self-discipline. To participate in preventive behaviors, these participants suggested that intentional action means to be free to make one’s own choices or decisions to follow preventive behaviors without interference from others. As one participant explained: I intend to exercise now I know I am in a high risk group. This is my responsibility. I have had bad behaviors for a long time, eating too much and working too hard, and now they have affected my life. (P1, 40 years old) Two participants claimed that the evaluation of hypertensive experiences meant they perceived that their lives were threatened by complications and progression to high blood pressure. They gained insight into what they had to do to control their prehypertension, as described by two participants: