Can the association between hypertension and physical activity be moderated by age?

Physical inactivity, hypertension and non-communicable diseases are major public concerns across the globe. To our knowledge, there is a lack of research that has investigated the moderating effect of age on the relationship between hypertension and physical activity in developing countries. This study had two objectives: (1) investigating hypertension and sociodemographic factors associated with physical activity and (2) investigating whether age moderates the relationship between hypertension and physical activity.

Nationally representative data of Malaysia were used to generate cross-sectional evidence. The sample size was 2156 respondents. An ordered probit regression was utilized to assess factors associated with the practice of physical activity.

Respondents aged 40-49 years with hypertension were 7.3% less likely to participate in high-level physical activity when compared to those without hypertension. The probability of having a low level of physical activity was 12.3% higher among hypertensive patients aged ≥60. Males, married individuals, less-educated adults, low-income earners, and individuals who were aware of their BMI, had a higher tendency to indulge in a highly active lifestyle than others.

The effect of hypertension on physical activity was moderated by age. Factors influencing physical activity levels among adults were income, gender, marital status, education, employment status, and BMI awareness.