Published 2024-03-10
Keywords
- physical activity ; Diabetes ; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common non-communicable diseases and is the fifth leading cause of death in most developing countries. Regular physical activity (PA) is strongly recommended for individuals with diabetes for its beneficial effects in improving blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity, prevention and reduction of morbidities and complications, and its cardiovascular benefits.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of PA among patients with diabetes in Jeddah, Saudi arabi .
Research design and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from march to September 2023 among 2000 patients with diabetes aged 18 years and above receiving care from diabetic clinics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2023 . Data were analysed using SPSS V.20. Categorical variables were summarised using frequencies and percentages, and continuous variables using means and SDs. The Χ2 test was used to compare the proportion of PA across participant characteristics.
Results: The vast majority (90%) of the participants were physically active, and from our findings, most of it was contributed by work and transport-related activities. Participants had high levels of knowledge and positive attitudes towards PA. These were mainly contributed by a healthcare provider or doctors' advice on PA benefits to patients with diabetes. There was a strong statistical association between knowledge and attitude towards PA with PA practice.
Conclusion: The vast majority of the participants were physically active. High levels of PA were associated with a high level of knowledge and positive attitudes towards PA. Healthcare provider or doctors' advice in diabetic clinics is essential in promoting PA practice in this population and in diabetes management.