Physical Activity and Associated Factors Among Patients Attending Hypertension Clinics in Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda

Abstract

Background: Physical activity has been shown to prevent mortality and morbidity among people with hypertension. Hypertension affects about 26.4% people in Uganda. Increasing adverse outcomes of hypertension have been observed in Southwestern Uganda. However, there is limited evidence demonstrating physical activity among patients with hypertension within Southwestern Uganda. This study investigated the extent of physical activity and associated factors among patients attending hypertension clinics in Mbarara City. Objective: To investigate the extent of physical activity and associated factors among patients attending hypertension clinics in Mbarara City. Methods: A descriptive, quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants' data was obtained using a researcher-administered questionnaire consisting of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Motivation for Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Barrier to Being Active Quiz. Fischers exact test and multivariate logistic regression were used to establish associations. A p-value less than 0.05 with 95% confidence interval was considered. Results: 45.39% of the participants were found to be physically active. Level of education, having heard of physical activity, place of residence, sedentary behaviour and social influence were associated with physical activity with the Fischers exact test. On multivariate adjustment, level of education and sedentary behaviour were significantly associated with physical activity. Majority of the active group reported being autonomously motivated. Most reported barriers were lack of skill, social influence and lack of willpower. Conclusion: With almost half (49.1%) being inactive and sedentary, emphasis should be put on availing a variety of physical activity options for all ages.Key words:PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, HYPERTENSION, SEDENTARY BEHAVIOUR