Functional Capacity and Psychosocial Correlates of Exercise in Nigerian Patients with Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Psychosocial factors are strong determinant of cardiovascular health outcomes during exercise rehabilitation. Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between functional capacity and psychosocial correlate of exercise in Nigerian patients with hypertension. Methods: 120 patients with hypertension were purposively recruited into this survey from the Cardiac Care Clinic, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife. Data were obtained on socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics; while cardiovascular parameters were measured using standard procedures. Exercise self-efficacy was assessed using exercise self-efficacy scale while functional exercise capacity was assessed using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at 0.05. Results: A majority (90.8%) of the respondents had high self-efficacy. The mean Six Minute Walk Distance (6MWD) was 350.6±54.7 m. Male and female respondents were comparable in their exercise self-efficacy scores (p > 0.554) and 6MWD (p > 0.194). There was significant correlation between perceived exercise self-efficacy and functional capacity (r = 0.184, p = 0.046). There were no significant differences between pre and post 6MWT SBP (p > 0.199), DBP (p > 0.794) and pulse rate (p > 0.906) respectively. Conclusion(s): Nigerian patients with hypertension demonstrated high exercise self-efficacy but low functional exercise capacity. It is recommended that exercise functional capacity is incorporated into the mainstream care of Nigerian patients with hypertension. Implications: Outcome of this study supports that regular exercise improves functional capacity, hence low exercise self-efficacy may impact negatively on participation.