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Perception, Knowledge, and Attitude toward Physical Activity Behaviour: Implications for Participation among Individuals with Essential Hypertension

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Abstract

Introduction

Understanding lifestyle behavior among individuals with hypertension is important for achieving hypertension control.

Aim

This study explored perception, knowledge, attitude and participation in physical activity (PA) among individuals with hypertension attending tertiary hospitals in a south-eastern Nigerian state.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey involved 200 individuals with hypertension from the Out-Patient Departments of the two teaching hospitals in Anambra State, Nigeria. Information on age, education level, gender, height, sleep duration, perception of PA, knowledge about PA, attitude towards PA, and participation in PA was collected using a self-developed and pilot-tested questionnaire. Blood pressure (BP), height, body weight, and waist circumference were measured using standardized procedures. PA level was assessed using 7-Day International PA Questionnaire.

Results

Majority of participants reported good perceptions of PA behavior, in terms of not being discouraged by relations and friends, and of its benefits. They reported good knowledge about PA behavior. The participants demonstrated positive attitude in terms of benefits, importance, and involved risk of PA, and reported high level of participation in PA. There were significant correlations among knowledge about PA, attitude towards PA and participation in PA. PA level generally correlated significantly with attitude and participation in PA

Conclusions

Perceived high level of participation in PA in this study sample can be attributed to their much knowledge and positive attitude towards PA. Increasing the knowledge about PA among individuals with hypertension by creating awareness about benefits and utilization of PA will improve their attitudes towards PA, and thereby fosters their participation in PA.

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Acknowledgements

Authors of this manuscript appreciate patience and time of all participants of this study and the assistance of Heads of the Out-Patient Department of NAUTH and ASUTH.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria

    Fatai Adesina Maruf & C. C. Ojukwu

  2. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

    M. O. Akindele

Authors
  1. Fatai Adesina Maruf
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  2. C. C. Ojukwu
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  3. M. O. Akindele
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Correspondence to Fatai Adesina Maruf.

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On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

Ethical approval was obtained from NAUTH Ethics 127 Committee, Nnewi before commencing the study.

Informed consent

Informed consent of the participants was obtained.

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Maruf, F.A., Ojukwu, C.C. & Akindele, M.O. Perception, Knowledge, and Attitude toward Physical Activity Behaviour: Implications for Participation among Individuals with Essential Hypertension. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 25, 53–60 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40292-017-0235-y

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