Effect of structured physical activity on blood pressure among hypertensive adults attending the general out-patient clinic and medical out-patient clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Introduction : hypertension is a major public health problem because of its rising prevalence worldwide. Globally, prevalence of hypertension in adults was around 22% in 2014. 1n Africa, a systematic review in 2014 reported a prevalence of 19.7% in 1990, 27.4% in 2000 and 30.8% in 2010. Similarly, in northern Nigeria, the prevalence of hypertension was 32.3% and 39.1% in Maiduguri and Kano respectively. This high prevalence of hypertension prompts primary prevention with lifestyle modification such as increased physical activity. This study aims to determine the effect of structured physical activity on blood pressure of hypertensive adults attending GOPC and MOPC at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano. Methods : this study was an experimental study (pre and post) conducted in general out-patient clinic (GOPC) and medical out-patient clinic (MOPC) at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State Nigeria. A total of 98 adult hypertensive adult respondents were recruited using simple random sampling technique and assigned to either intervention or control group by random allocation (balloting). The intervention group was offered structured physical activity using pedometer while the control group on verbal physical activity recommendation. They were followed up for 3 months. The T-test (2 sample T and paired T-test) was used to determine the difference in blood pressure between the two groups before and after structured physical activity. Results : a majority (64.3%) of the respondents were females. Their mean age was 48.6 ± 12.7, with a range of 25 - 62 years. A reduction of 4.01 mmHg (P-value: Conclusion : structured physical activity with pedometer reduced blood pressure among hypertensive adults in Kano. We recommend the inclusion of structured physical activity using pedometer in the treatment guidelines of hypertension.