Correlates Of Compliance With Lifestyle Modifications Among Hypertensive Patients In Mazowe District, Zimbabwe

Non-compliance with lifestyle modifications is one of the most important reasons for uncontrolled blood pressure and hypertension complications among hypertensive patients. Our study sought to determine factors affecting compliance with recommended lifestyle modification among hypertensive patients (N=290). A mixed methods design was adopted which involved both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Data were collected through interviewer administered questionnaires, review of medical records and four focus group discussions. The prevalence of non-compliance with recommended lifestyle modifications ranged from 8.6% for non-compliance with limiting alcohol intake, to 89.6% for non-compliance with increased fruit consumption. Female patients were more likely to be compliant with reducing dietary salt [odds ratio (OR): 0.5; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.25-0.93]. Patients aged 70 years and above were more likely to be non-compliant with engaging in regular physical activity (OR: 5.8; 95% CI: 3.32-10.51). Patients who bought vegetables from the local markets were more likely to be non-compliant with increasing vegetable consumption (OR: 7.8; 95% CI: 2.60-23.58) compared with those who obtained vegetables from their own gardens. Patients who did not perceive themselves to be at risk of hypertension complications were more likely to be non-compliant with reducing fat intake (OR: 4.4: 95% CI: 2.38-7.9). There was high prevalence of non-compliance with recommended lifestyle modifications among hypertensive patients. Factors that negatively affected compliance with recommended lifestyle modifications were lack of family support to modify lifestyle, lack of written advice that supplement verbal advice given at health centres, being aged 70 years and above, presence of co-morbidities, not having attended school, being unemployed and lack of risk perception.