Physical Activity and Obesity Status in Relation to Hypertension in the Elderly in Kebumen: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Hypertension is a condition characterised by high blood pressure that often occurs as people age, and one of the main risk factors for non-communicable diseases in the elderly. The result of preliminary study conducted at Puskesmas Kebumen 1 in June 2023 indicate that the highest number of hypertension cases during the period January-May 2023 were found among the elderly aged ≥60 years. Loss of physical activity in the elderly leads to lower energy burning, contributing to weight gain and obesity, which in turn increases the risk of hypertension. The study aims to analyse the relationship between physical activity and obesity status and the incidence of hypertension among the elderly in the Puskesmas Kebumen 1 working area, Kabupaten Kebumen. The study used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 246 elderly people obtained using incidental sampling. Data collection was done using the 2018 Riskesdas questionnaire to measure physical activity, a body scale and a microtoice/knee height calliper to measure body weight and height. Data analysis used the Chi-Square test to determine the relationship between variables, with statistical significance set up p < 0.05. The results of the study show higher prevalence of hypertension amongst the elderly with low levels of physical activity (81,8%) compared to those with moderate levels of physical activity (55,9%) with p=0.008. Obesity in the elderly also has a higher prevalence of hypertension (69,9%) than non-obese elderly people (54%) with p=0.0248. The results show a significant relationship between physical activity, obesity status and the occurrence of hypertension in the elderly. Uncontrolled hypertension can raise the risk of complications, so preventive and health promotion measures are needed