SLEEP QUALITY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG ADULTS WITH HYPERTENSION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a leading global health concern associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle factors such as physical activity and sleep quality play an essential role in disease management, yet little evidence exists from the local context of Pakistan. This study aimed to assess sleep quality and physical activity and explore their association among adults with hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: to assess sleep quality and physical activity and explore their association among adults with hypertension.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between January and June 2023 among adults diagnosed with essential hypertension for at least three months. Participants provided electronic informed consent and completed a structured questionnaire, which included demographic information, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess physical activity levels, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to evaluate sleep quality. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, while chi-square test examined associations between physical activity and sleep quality. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: A total of 422 participants were included in the analysis. The mean age was 51.2 ± 8.5 years, and 52.1 % were male. Poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) was reported by 63.5% of respondents, with a mean PSQI score of 7.2 ± 4.3. Based on IPAQ scoring, 36.7% reported low physical activity, 44.7% moderate, and 19.1% high activity.

CONCLUSION: Poor sleep quality was highly prevalent among hypertensive adults and was significantly associated with lower physical activity levels. Promotion of physical activity should be emphasized as a non-pharmacological strategy to improve sleep and overall management of hypertension.

KEY TERMS:  Hypertension, Sleep Quality, Physical Activity, Cross-Sectional Study