Role of Intrinsic Motivation in Eating Habits and Physical Activity in Adults with Primary Hypertension

Abstract

Eating habits and physical activities are identified as the major, modifiable risk factors of hypertension.
However, management of these risk factors is reportedly mediated by the motivation levels of the individual.
This study aims to examine the role of intrinsic motivation in eating habits and physical activity in adults
with primary hypertension. The study includes 140 adults with primary hypertension recruited from
community based private hospitals through purposive sampling method. They were divided into two equal
groups based on the level of intrinsic motivation (high intrinsic motivation = 70 and low intrinsic motivation
=70). Patients were asked to fill questionnaire that included questions related to their motivation eating
habits, food choice and physical activity. Results of study indicated that there is a significant difference
between high intrinsic and low intrinsic motivation groups in their food choice and eating habits. And there
was no significant difference found between high intrinsic motivation group and low intrinsic motivation
group with regard to physical activity. This study suggests that motivation alone is not a valid indicator
of physical activity. Hence the interventions need to focus beyond motivational analysis when targeting
physical activities among those with primary hypertension.