Keywords

HIV, low socioeconomic status, physical activity, sub-Saharan Africa

 

Authors

  1. Havyarimana, Eric PT

Abstract

Abstract: The latest recommendations for HIV therapeutic management emphasize the importance of regular physical activity (PA). This cross-sectional study assessed the self-reported level of PA, amount of leisure time PA (LTPA), and the predictors of PA practiced in 257 people living with HIV (PLWH) in Burundi. The World Health Organization recommends 150 min of PA per week. In our study, 80.2% of the participants met this recommendation. Participants were more engaged in PA at work (436.8 +/- 682.1 min/week) compared with leisure time (231.7 +/- 383.8 min/week) and transportation (235.9 +/- 496.5 min/week). Multivariate analysis revealed that men ([beta] = -101.65; p = .01) who were white-collar workers ([beta] = 67.21; p < .03) with higher education level ([beta] = 274.21; p < .001) reported higher levels of LTPA than other groups. Integrating PA counseling into the routine care and implementing community-based exercise programs could enhance participation in PA in PLWH.