Adherence to lifestyle modification recommendations in hypertensive patients at Parirenyatwa Hospital

Abstract

Background: Hypertension (HTN) complications are one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide, with increasing trends noted in Africa. The most neglected causes of uncontrolled HTN and its complications are unhealthy diets, excess alcohol consumption and physical inactivity. Adherence to recommended lifestyle modifications remains low in Zimbabwe. This study seeks to explore the factors influencing adherence to World Health Organisation (WHO) lifestyle modification recommendations in patients with hypertension at Parirenyatwa Hospital, Harare.

Methodology: An analytic cross-sectional study design was utilized. 328 hypertensive patients aged at least 18, receiving care at Parirenyatwa Hospital were recruited into the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on demographics, knowledge and adherence to WHO recommended lifestyle modifications from participants. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20 was used for data analysis. The Spearman test was used to test for linear correlation among variables and the 5-point Likert Scale was utilized to categorize the extent of practice of dietary and physical activity recommendations by WHO.