Non-Pharmacological Management of Hypertension: Exploring Determinants for Optimizing Physical Activity...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Health
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) is crucial for managing hypertension non-pharmacologically.
• Limited data exists on PA determinants within African populations, particularly among hypertensive individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess physical activity levels in hypertensive patients in Cameroon.
• To identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with physical inactivity in this population.
• To understand barriers and facilitators to physical activity among hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 383 hypertensive patients from two referral hospitals in Cameroon.
• Physical activity classified as insufficient (<600 MET-min/week) or active (≥600 MET-min/week).
• Logistic regression analysis used to determine factors associated with inactivity.

Main Results:

• 54% of participants were insufficiently active.
• Older age (60+ years), female sex, renal failure, diabetes, and other comorbidities were significantly associated with physical inactivity.
• Higher education levels (secondary and high-school) were protective against inactivity.

Conclusions:

• High prevalence of physical inactivity among hypertensive patients in Cameroon.
• Sociodemographic factors (age, sex, education) and clinical factors (comorbidities) significantly influence PA levels.
• Tailored interventions are needed for older adults, women, and those with comorbidities, integrating PA support into hypertension care.