Physical Activity Correlates among Jordanian Diabetes Patients

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: An important keystone in preventing diabetes mellitus (DM) complications are performing Self-Care Behaviors (SCB) such as engaging in Physical Activity (PA). The objectives of the present research project are to identify PA levels among Jordanian patients with diabetes, explore the associations between PA and the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, and recognize its predictors. Method: This study utilized quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design. The authors used purposive sampling method to recruit bout four hundred patients. Those patients were selected from the governmental sector of the Jordanian hospitals. Results: The inferential statistics illustrated that three factors were significant predictors to PA complication presence (p=0.001), social norms (p= 0.01) in addition to perceived behavioral control (p= 0.001). The results indicated that about 65% of the participants had inadequate participation in the recommended physical activity. Similar findings were reported in the Arabic context, for example about 65 % of the Yemini patients had inadequate physical activity. Concerning the predictors the study results showed that those patients with diabetes complication have higher adherence to the prescribed physical activity. Dissimilar findings were evident in the literature For example, Shiriyedeve et al. found that there was association between adherence to PA and age (r = −0.085). However, this association was not statically significant. One of the most chronic illnesses in Jordan is diabetes mellitus. This could increase the responsibilities of the Jordanian health care providers especially the nurses. Conclusion: Being active participants in the physical activity is highly recommended measure to manage diabetes mellitus signs and symptoms appropriately.