CURRENT PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND RELATED FACTORS AMONG ELDERLY HYPERTENSIVES IN NAM DINH PROVINCE

Abstract

Objective: To describe the physical activity level of elderly hypertensive persons and to identify related factors during the year 2020. Method: 352 elderly people with hypertension were selected in 9 communes/wards of 03 districts/cities of Nam Dinh province to participate in the study. The scales used include: The World Health Organization’s physical activity rating scale; Perception scale of physical activity barrier; Scale to assess the level of confidence in physical activity; Social support scale. Results: 100% of the subjects participated in at least, had participated in one of physical activities; 47.7% of subjects had an adequate level of recommended physical activity. Those who were not aware of the barriers to physical activity had only 0.4 times the level of physical activity compared to those who were aware; those with family support were 2.5 times more physically active than those with little or no family support; people in rural areas have a physical activity level 6.5 times higher than those in urban areas; people aged 60-70 had a physical activity level 1.9 times higher than those aged >70 years. Conclusion: The activity level of the elderly with high blood pressure is still low. Interventions need to help patients recognize barriers and ways to deal with them, thereby increasing time to participate in physical activities.