Links among motivation, socio-demographic characteristics and low physical activity level among a group of Nigerian patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

While many studies blame low physical activity (PA) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on lack of motivation, others have inconsistently linked it with socio-demographic characteristics. This study investigated the associations among motivation, socio-demographic characteristics and low level participation in physical activity among a group of Nigerian patients with T2DM. A consenting sample of 326 T2DM patients attending diabetes clinics of the two largest hospitals in Ibadan participated in this cross-sectional study. Motivation types and PA levels were assessed using the Motivation for Physical Activity Questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire respectively. Socio-demographic data were also documented. Regression analysis was used to determine associations at p<0.05. A total of 245 (75.2%) of the participants were intrinsically motivated towards PA but only 108 (33.1%) were active at moderate-to-high levels. Motivation and duration of diagnosis were not linked with low PA while being female (OR=1.57; 95%CI =1.22-4.19), age > 60 (OR=2.42; 95%CI =1.91-3.77), no education (OR=2.21; 95%CI =1.64-4.33), retirement (OR=3.89; 95%CI =2.72-6.35) and being married (OR=1.63; 95%CI =1.14-3.66) conferred increased risks of low PA. The Nigerian T2DM patients were appropriately motivated but PA was below recommended levels. Low PA was significantly linked with more of the sociodemographic characteristics than motivational factors.

Walking prescription of 10 000 steps per day in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomised trial in Nigerian general practice

“…19 This supports other findings of low levels of physical activity among Nigerian adults, especially those with chronic illnesses. 9,10,20,21 The 2913 steps per day (65%) higher step count in the intervention group in this study is much lower than similar studies on 10 000 steps per day walking prescription. A study by Swartz et al 22 The low adherence rate of 6.1% in this study may suggest that achieving the 10 000 step goal was a difficult task in this population.…”