KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF EXERCISE FOR BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL AMONG ADULTS WITH HYPERTENSION IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL
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Abstract
Background: Hypertension is a leading non-communicable disease and a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality globally. Despite proven evidence that regular exercise reduces blood pressure, the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of exercise among hypertensive patients remains suboptimal, particularly in Nigeria. Understanding these dimensions is essential for promoting effective non-pharmacological management of hypertension.
Aim: The study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of exercise for blood pressure control among adults with hypertension attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed involving 150 adults with high blood pressure recruited from the cardiology clinic of UBTH. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire divided into sections on socio-demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice of exercise for blood pressure control. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequencies and percentages, while associations between variables were tested using the Chi-square test at a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: Findings revealed that 74% of participants had adequate knowledge of exercise for blood pressure control, 76% demonstrated a good attitude, and 60% had good exercise practice. There was a significant association between socio-economic status and knowledge of exercise (p = 0.021), while age, level of education, and socio-economic status showed no significant association with attitude and practice (p > 0.05). Most respondents (85.4%) reported improvement in blood pressure since initiating exercise.
Conclusion: The study concluded that hypertensive adults at UBTH generally possess good knowledge and attitude toward exercise for blood pressure control; however, practical engagement in exercise remains moderate. Continuous patient education, physiotherapy involvement, and community-based exercise programs are recommended to enhance adherence and improve hypertension outcomes.
Aim: The study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of exercise for blood pressure control among adults with hypertension attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed involving 150 adults with high blood pressure recruited from the cardiology clinic of UBTH. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire divided into sections on socio-demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice of exercise for blood pressure control. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequencies and percentages, while associations between variables were tested using the Chi-square test at a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: Findings revealed that 74% of participants had adequate knowledge of exercise for blood pressure control, 76% demonstrated a good attitude, and 60% had good exercise practice. There was a significant association between socio-economic status and knowledge of exercise (p = 0.021), while age, level of education, and socio-economic status showed no significant association with attitude and practice (p > 0.05). Most respondents (85.4%) reported improvement in blood pressure since initiating exercise.
Conclusion: The study concluded that hypertensive adults at UBTH generally possess good knowledge and attitude toward exercise for blood pressure control; however, practical engagement in exercise remains moderate. Continuous patient education, physiotherapy involvement, and community-based exercise programs are recommended to enhance adherence and improve hypertension outcomes.
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