Comparative Evaluation of Blood Pressure, Central Adiposity, and Physical Activity Patterns Between Wheelchair Users and Ambulatory Adults in a Rural South African Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study Protocol

The study aims to compare cardiovascular risk factors between wheelchair users and ambulatory adults in the rural Thulamela Municipality in Limpopo, South Africa. Hypertension is a major modifiable driver of cardiovascular disease in low- and middle-income countries, driven by central adiposity and physical inactivity. The study will include 210 adults (70 wheelchair users and 140 ambulatory controls). Blood pressure, waist circumference, physical activity levels, and sedentary behavior will be measured using specialized questionnaires. Data will be analyzed using statistical tests and logistic regression to determine whether mobility status is independently associated with hypertension. The study will provide context-specific epidemiological data on health profile differences between these groups.