Original Research

Factors associated with physical activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at a public clinic in Gaborone, Botswana, in 2017

Sunungurai Shiriyedeve, Thembelihle P. Dlungwane, Boikhutso Tlou
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a2036 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v11i1.2036 | © 2019 Sunungurai Shiriyedeve, Thembelihle P. Dlungwane, Boikhutso Tlou | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 21 January 2019 | Published: 14 August 2019

About the author(s)

Sunungurai Shiriyedeve, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, Botswana
Thembelihle P. Dlungwane, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Boikhutso Tlou, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Physical activity plays a significant role in the managing of type 2 diabetes and is essential in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes mellitus. A number of factors influence non-adherence to physical activity: social, personal, environmental and economic factors. Diabetes research conducted in Botswana has focused on behavioural change, treatment adherence and nutrition. The physical activity levels of type 2 diabetes patients and associated factors are not known.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity levels (PALs) and factors associated with physical activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Setting: The study was conducted at a public clinic in Gaborone, Botswana, in 2017.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at a public clinic in Gaborone, Botswana. An interview-administered questionnaire was used to assess the PALs and factors associated with physical activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Data were captured on Excel and exported to SPSS software version 25 for analysis. Chi-square test, Fischer’s exact test and Pearson’s moment correlation examined the relationship between participants’ characteristics and their engagement in regular exercise.

Results: The majority of the study participants had low PALs (54.7%). The results showed a non-significant negative correlation between age and PAL (r = −0.085) and between sitting time (sedentary time) and PAL (−0.098).

Conclusion: Most type 2 diabetes mellitus patients had low PALs. Health-promoting activities are needed to promote physical activity and thus prevent complications associated with physical inactivity.


Keywords

PAL; type 2 diabetes mellitus; burden of diabetes; Africa; Botswana

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Crossref Citations

1. Prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity among persons with type 2 diabetes in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Emmanuel Ekpor, Samuel Akyirem, Precious Adade Duodu
Annals of Medicine  vol: 55  issue: 1  first page: 696  year: 2023  
doi: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2182909