Physical inactivity is associated with low self efficacy and social support among patients with hypertension in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Physical inactivity is a major factor in the development of many chronic illnesses, including hypertension. Evidence highlighting links among physical activity participation and psychosocial constructs such as self efficacy, social support and perceived barriers among hypertensive patients in the Nigerian population is scarce. This study explored the associations between physical activity and each of self efficacy, social support and perceived barriers. METHODS Two hundred and twelve patients receiving treatment in two tertiary health institutions located in Ekiti State, Nigeria were surveyed cross-sectionally. Physical activity level, self efficacy, social support and perceived barriers were measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale, Medical Outcomes Social Support Scale and Exercise Benefits and Barrier Scale respectively. RESULTS Level of physical activity was significantly associated with self efficacy (r(s) = 0.67, p < 0.01, = 0.45) and social support (r(s) = 0.80, p < 0.01, = 0.64), with most participants (56.1%) being physically inactive. However, no association was found between physical activity level and perceived barriers (r(s) = 0.07, p > 0.01, = 0.005). CONCLUSION Most of the hypertensive patients presented with low levels of physical activity. Physical activity was associated with psychosocial constructs including self efficacy and social support but not with perceived barriers.

Cystic tumors of the biliary tract: a complete excision is crucial.

Intrahepatic cystic tumors are rare liver tumors whose diagnosis is based on a wide range of imaging modalities. Surgical management and prognosis are not clearly defined. The medical records of patients with a diagnosis of intrahepatic cystic tumor managed in our unit were reviewed. Two patients were successfully treated by surgery. One of these two patients had to undergo a second laparotomy to obtain complete removal of the tumor. Another patient developed tumor recurrence after an incomplete incision of the cystic lesion previously performed abroad. She was referred to our unit but was deemed unresectable and therefore was referred for a liver transplantation. We report 3 cases of hepatic cystic tumors, showing some difficult issues related to the diagnosis and management of this condition and underlining the importance of performing a complete surgical excision to avoid early recurrence of the tumor.