Knowledge, attitude and practice of exercise among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: Exercise plays significant role in the health outcomes of patients with diabetes; however, little is known about the knowledge, attitude and practice of exercise in patients with type-2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigated knowledge, attitude and practice of exercise among patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 165 patients with T2D (male = 85; female = 80) using convenience sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of exercise among patients. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 51.9 + 9.8 years. A majority, 139(84.24%) were married individuals and around than half, 76(46.1%) were in the low SES. One hundred and thirty (78.7%) had good knowledge and attitude towards exercise practice. More than half, 95(57.6%) engaged in regular exercise practice. There was significant association between knowledge and practice of exercise (p<0.05). No significant associations were found between knowledge and gender, and socioeconomic status (p>0.05). Low physical activity was associated with poor glycemic control (p<0.05). Conclusion: Patients demonstrated good knowledge and a positive attitude towards exercise and a relatively poor practice of exercise. Additional methods are needed to encourage regular physical activity among patients.