Knowledge of and Intention to Participate in Physical Activity Programs and Their Associated Sociodemographic Factors in People with High Blood Pressure in a Rural Area of Bangladesh: Initial Investigation from a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

• Main Authors: Fakir M. Amirul Islam, Mohammad Arzan Hosen, Mohammad Ariful Islam, Elisabeth A. Lambert, Bruce R. Thompson, Gavin W. Lambert, Ralph Maddison
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-09-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: rural area; Bangladesh; high blood pressure; Rasch analysis
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/18/9561
• ISSN: 1661-7827; 1660-4601

This initial investigation aimed to investigate the knowledge of the health benefits of physical activity (PA) and attitudes towards participation in PA. The study recruited 307 people aged 30–75 years with hypertension as part of a cluster randomized controlled trial from a rural area in Bangladesh. Of the 307 participants, 135 participated less than 2.5 h of physical activity per week, from which we collected data on attitudes toward PA. Regression analysis and Rasch analysis were used. More than 85% of homemakers, employees or businesspersons were willing to take part in PA. Based on the combined score from the knowledge and attitude items, 46% of people endorsed PA programs; proportions were higher in men than women (53% vs. 41%). After adjusting for covariates, men (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.50, 1.72–7.11) compared to women and people with at least primary levels of schooling (OR 3.06, 95% CI, 1.27–7.38) compared with those with no education were more likely to organize or take part in any PA programs. People have positive attitudes towards PA but do not feel obligated to participate in PA programs. Future programs are needed to promote awareness and motivational interventions for PA, especially targeting women and people with low education levels, should be developed and implemented.