Associations of Constructs of Transtheoretical Model With Physical Activity Behavior Among Individuals With Essential Hypertension

Background: There is a dearth of studies on transtheoretical model (TTM) in relation to physical activity (PA) behavior among individuals with hypertension. This study explored the TTM in relation to PA behavior among Nigerians with essential hypertension. Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 299 individuals with hypertension from teaching hospitals. Information on sociodemographics, constructs of TTM for PA, and PA level of participants was collected. Results: Cognitive process of change (PoC) (β = 67.90 [34.74–101.06]; P < .001) was a predictor of walking PA, and accounted for 14% of the prediction. Predictors of moderate-intensity PA were cognitive PoC (β = 239.98 [135.53–344.44]; P < .001), stage of change (SoC) (β = 991.69 [391.67–1591.71]; P = .001), and behavioral PoC (β = −139.81 [−249.77 to −29.85]; P = .01), with cognitive PoC accounting for 26% of the 36% prediction. Age (β = −179.91 [−265.81 to −94.02]; P < .001), cognitive PoC (β = 96.32 [20.73–171.91]; P = .01), and perceived barrier to PA (β = −168.81 [−327.85 to −9.77]; P = .04) were predictors of vigorous-intensity PA, with age accounting for 20% of the 33% prediction. Predictors of overall PA were cognitive PoC (β = 324.03 [194.77–453.29]; P < .001) and age (β = −239.09 [−449.04 to −137.14]; P < .001), with cognitive PoC accounting for 25% of the 34% prediction. Conclusions: Cognitive PoC of TTM is an independent predictor of PA behavior and may be vitally important in PA behavior change in hypertensive individuals.