Does Hypertension Knowledge Influence Levels of Physical Activity in Hypertensive Patients From a Southern Brazilian Community?

• Published in: International journal of cardiovascular sciences 2021-10, Vol.34 (5), p.542-549
• Main Authors: Santos, Rafaella Zulianello dos, Korbes, Andrea Schaefer, Martins, Eliara Ten Caten, Lucca, Mateus De, Lucca, Leonardo De, Karsten, Marlus, Benetti, Magnus
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CARDIAC & CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS
• ISSN: 2359-4802; 2359-5647; 2359-5647
• DOI: 10.36660/ijcs.20200141

Abstract Background: Increased level of physical activity (PA) and health education are known as non-pharmacological treatments of hypertension (HP). There is a lack of studies investigating the influence of HP knowledge on the level of PA among hypertensive patients. Objective: To examine the influence of patient's knowledge about HP on PA level and the relationship between these variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in in a primary care center located in a city in the southern Brazil. A total of 199 hypertensive patients (median 61.2 [13] years; body mass index (BMI) 21.9 (7.5) kg/m2; 72.4% women) were included. The level of PA was assessed by measuring the number of steps taken daily. The knowledge about HP was assessed by a standardized questionnaire (HIPER-Q). The Kruskall-Wallis test was used to compare age, BMI and PA level between HP knowledge categories, and the Spearman test was used to assess correlations (p