Predicting psychological factors affecting regular physical activity in hypertensive patients: Application of health...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Health Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hypertension management requires regular physical activity.
• Understanding factors influencing physical activity is crucial for intervention development.
• The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model provides a framework to explore behavioral determinants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing regular physical activity behavior in hypertension patients.
• To apply the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model to hypertension patients.
• To examine the predictive power of HAPA constructs on physical activity intention and behavior.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 176 hypertension patients.
• Data collected using demographic, medical history, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and HAPA model scales.
• Statistical analysis included chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and path analysis using AMOS.

Main Results:

• Action self-efficacy (β=0.59), outcome expectancy (β=0.20), and risk perception (β=0.18) significantly predicted intention.
• Intention (β=0.35) and coping self-efficacy (β=0.29) significantly predicted physical activity.
• HAPA constructs explained 45% of the variance in intention and 31% in physical activity.

Conclusions:

• The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model is a valuable framework for understanding physical activity determinants in hypertension.
• Interventions targeting self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, and risk perception may enhance physical activity in hypertensive individuals.