Relationship between quality of life and physical activity level of patients with cardiac disease in a Nigerian tertiary hospital: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Research evidence suggests that physical activity can improve quality of life and reduce the adverse effects of living with cardiac disease. This study was conducted to investigate quality of life, physical activity level, and their relationship among cardiac patients in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.
Patients and Methods: Sixty patients (32 males, 28 females) with cardiac disease from a major tertiary hospital in Nigeria participated in this cross-sectional survey. Their Quality of Life (QoL) and physical activity (PA) levels were assessed using the Ferrans and Powers QoL Index (cardiac version IV) and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and further analyzed using Pearson correlation, with the alpha level set at 0.05.
Results: Out of the participants, 34 reported poor to fair overall QoL, while 26 reported good QoL. Additionally, 23, 25, and 12 participants reported low, moderate, and high PA levels, respectively. Health-related QoL was the most affected, with only 16 participants reporting good QoL in this domain. A positive correlation was found between PA and both the Health and Functioning Subscale (r=0.26, p=0.05) and the Family Subscale (r=0.259, p=0.05) of QoL.
Conclusion: Higher levels of PA correlate with better QoL in the Health and Functioning, as well as, Family sub-scales. Physical activity should be integrated into the care of cardiac patients to enhance their QoL and overall health.