Physical Activity, Stress and Nutrition-Behaviour among Hypertensive Individuals before Disease Diagnosis

Abstract

The aim of the current study isto assess physical activity, stress and nutrition behaviour among hypertensive individuals before disease diagnosis by proper medical specialists. Two hundred and fifty seven hypertensive males (56 ± 12 years, 174 ± 8 cm, 91 ± 16 kg, 30.2 ± 5.4 kg/m2) and 257 hypertensive females (58 ± 10 years, 162 ± 7 cm, 83 ± 16 kg, 31.6 ± 5.8 kg/m2) volunteered for the study. Inclusion criteria were; his or her age is ≥ 35 years and diagnosed with hypertension. A questionnaire of three parts was constructed. Content validity was checked before data collection. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess reliability. The BMI results showed that 47% of hypertensive males and 58% of hypertensive females were obese. 64%, 65% and 74% of the study sample reported that they do not use to do high-intensity of physical activity and sport, moderate-intensity of physical activity and sport and strength exercises, respectively. Stress level was moderate among hypertensive males and females (17.9 & 20.9, respectively). 66% of the study sample reported that salt was moderate in their meals. 20% and 23% of the study sample used to eat one or more portion of fresh fruits and vegetables ≥ 7 per week, respectively. Normotensive individuals should do 30-min of moderate PA 5 or more times a week. Normotensive persons should avoid stress. If stress level is moderate or high stress-management strategies should be adopted. Quality and quantity of food should be controlled.