Introduction: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is on the rise in Malaysia. Physical inactivity is common among T2DM patients and is an important aspect that warrants action as it may lead to poor glycemic control. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated factors among T2DM patients.
Methods: The sample consisted of 121 T2DM patients aged 18 to 65 years who attended the UKMMC primary clinic for routine follow up. A questionnaire consisting of three sections was used to collect the data: (i) socio-economic and diabetes-related factors; (ii) physical inactivity using shortened International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); and (iii) five domains leading to physical inactivity.
Results: The mean age of the sample was found to be 56.2 ± 8.5 years; 55% were physically inactive; 76% had low education; 55.4% had low income; 76% had poor glycemic control; and mean duration of illness was 7.8 ± 6.9 years. Factors significantly associated with physical inactivity were presence of health complications (x2 = 5.89; p=0.015) and factor domains of 'respondent's current physical health' (t=5.88, p<0.001), 'availability of facility' (t=3.45, p<0.001), 'availability of time' (t=3.57, p<0.001) and 'respondent's perception of possibility of sustaining pain and injury during physical activity' (t=3.64, p<0.001). Using multiple logistic regression, only factors of 'physical health factor' (Adjusted OR: 1.58, confidence interval 95% (CI 95%): 1.31-1.92, p<0.001) and 'time' (adjusted OR: 1.27, CI 95%: 1.12-1.45, p<0.001) were found to be associated with higher odds for physical inactivity.
Conclusion: The results indicate that facility availability, time management and better management of health complications could increase physical activity among T2DM patients.
Key words: Physical inactivity, type 2 diabetes
Study site: Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangssan Malaysia (PPUKM) primary care clinic, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia