Abstract:

Background: Non communicable disease (NCD) have been on the rise in developing countries like Tanzania, leading to increase in mortality and morbidity related to them. Physical activity has been shown to be a major modifiable risk factor known to treat and prevent NCDs and their complications. The world Health Organization (WHO), put global targets for physical activity in terms of intensity, amount to be reached by different people around the world. So, the aim of this study was to assess the global targets of physical activity in DM and hypertensive patients attending BMC DM and CVD clinics, factors influencing their physical activity and association with developing complications.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 246 known diabetic and hypertensive patients was done at the Outpatient Diabetes and CVD clinics of Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza, Tanzania. A convenience non-random sampling method was used and data was collected using an amalgamation of a pretested semi-structured questionnaire from WHO STEPS instrument for Non communicable Disease Risk Factor Surveillance questionnaires, Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure (SDSCA) and the hypertension Self-Care Profile (HBP-SCP).

Results: Finding from this study showed that most of the participants (86.6%) were involved in light intensity physical activities with each being involved in at least one type of physical activity. Participants who were women, primary school completers and of low income were involved more in physical activity. Most levels of physical activity were shown to be slightly protective against development of DM and CVD complications with a risk ratios and relatives risks <1 with a 95% confidence interval.

Conclusion: The study has shown a significant low level of physical inactivity in the diabetic and hypertensive patients compared to the general population. Work and higher income for those in urban areas were more likely to be involved in low levels of physical activity. The study has also shown the role of physical activity as protective factor against diabetic and hypertensive complications.