Barriers in adopting healthy lifestyle in hypertensive patients in a tertiary care hospital in Warangal, Telangana

Abstract

Background: Non communicable diseases (NCDs), especially hypertension are now the leading cause of death worldwide, surpassing communicable diseases, particularly in developing countries. Although lifestyle modification is crucial for managing NCDs, widespread barriers prevent many people from adopting healthier habits. Aim: To assess barriers in adopting healthy lifestyle in hypertensive patients. Objectives: 1. To identify barriers in adopting healthy lifestyle, treatment compliance in hypertensive patients. 2. To assess associating factors for barriers in adopting healthy lifestyle in hypertensive patients. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using semi-structured questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic data and barriers to healthy lifestyle in 300 consented hypertensive patients attending MGM hospital using consecutive sampling in Warangal during February-April 2025. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied in SPSS version 26. Results: 28.7% of participants found exercise as the hardest lifestyle change, with lack of motivation (47.3%) as the top barrier, followed by diet (22.3%). Forgetfulness (44%) is the main barrier to medication adherence. Significant associations existed between exercise barriers and old age, treatment adherence with females and poor literacy, alcohol addiction and employed, dietary changes with low income and unemployed, smoking and retired. Conclusion: A significant proportion of hypertensive patients face multiple barriers in adopting a healthy lifestyle and adhering to treatment. Exercise was the most challenging lifestyle modification. Socioeconomic and demographic factors significantly influence these barriers, highlighting the need for customized strategies to improve lifestyle modification and treatment compliance.

Keywords: Barriers, Hypertension, Lifestyle, Non communicable diseases, Treatment compliance