Influence of socio-demographic characteristics on the level of physical activity among patients with hypertension attending selected hypertension clinics in Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda: A cross-sectional study

Background Physical activity is a critical non-pharmacological intervention for managing hypertension and reducing cardiovascular complications. In Southwestern Uganda, the rising burden of hypertension-related morbidity is often attributed to sedentary lifestyles. However, there is limited evidence on how specific socio-demographic characteristics influence physical activity levels in Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda. Objective To investigate the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on physical activity levels among patients with hypertension attending selected hypertension clinics in Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda. Methods A descriptive, quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with hypertension at selected hypertension clinics in Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda. Data was collected using a researcher-administered questionnaire consisting of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ) to assess physical activity levels. Sociodemographic characteristics assessed for included; age, gender, place of residence, occupation, monthly income, marital status, duration of hypertension, level of education, heard of physical activity and source of information(from whom). Data were analyzed using frequency distributions, Fisher’s exact test, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to establish associations at a 95% confidence interval. Results 141 participants participated in the study. Median age of the participants was 58 years (IQR = 14).Females accounted for 67.4% (95/141) of the participants while males accounted for 32.6% (46/141).Only 45.39% of the participants were found to be physically active. Socio-demographic characteristics that were significantly associated with physical activity using the Fischer’s exact test were; place of residence (p-value = 0.016 < 0.05), level of education(p-value = 0.026 < 0.05) and heard of physical activity (p-value = 0.027 < 0.05). On bivariate analysis, level of education (cOR = 1.420; CI = 1.106–1.84; p-value = 0.006) and heard of physical activity (cOR = 3.934; CI = 1.234–12.452; p-value = 0.020) whereas on multivariate adjustment, level of education (aOR = 1.374; CI = 1.055–1.790; p-value = 0.018) was the only significant sociodemographic characteristic associated with physical activity. Conclusion Less than half of the patients with hypertension in Mbarara City are physically inactive. Significant socio-demographic characteristics such as level of education and knowledge of physical activity, are critical predictors of adherence to physical activity guidelines as stipulated by the World Health Organization. These findings advocate for integrated health education and community-based physical activity programs tailored to the unique demographic landscape of Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda.