Application of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) Model to Determine Factors Affecting Physical Activity in Hypertensive Patients

Introduction: Physical activity plays an undeniable role in accelerating the recovery and prevention of complications in hypertensive patients. The purpose of this study was to determine factors affecting physical activity in hypertensive patients using Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model in 2019-2020. Materials and methods: By convenience sampling, 176 hypertensive patients from the health care centers of Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh city were selected to participate in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were measured by demographic information questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire and HAPA Model related Scales. Data were analyzed using AMOS 22.0 software and chi-square, independent t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis. Results: Intention, coping self-efficacy, action self-efficacy, and outcome expectancies were significantly correlated with physical activity (p<0.05). Also, action self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, perceived risks had significant effect on intention (p<0.01). Moreover, the path coefficient between intention (p<0.05) and coping self-efficacy (p<0.01) with physical activity behavior was significant. Finally, the HAPA model fitted well to the data and its constructs described 45% and 31% of the variance in intention and physical activity behavior, respectively. Conclusion: The results emphasized the role of psychological variables such as action self-efficacy, coping self-efficacy, outcome expectancies and perceived risks in regular physical activity and also suggested the use of HAPA model for explaining factors affecting regular physical activity in hypertensive patients.