Background and Aims:
In Saudi Arabia, diabetes is prevalent. Lack of physical activity (PA) is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) worldwide. However, there is little research on PA among Saudis with T2DM. The study aimed to investigate personal and cognitive-perceptual factors for PA among Saudis with T2DM.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 808 Saudi adults with T2DM from the Saudi Health Interview Survey (SHIS) for 2013. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were applied to examine the risk factors for PA among Saudis with T2DM.
Results:
The prevalence of physical activity was 9.1% in Saudi adults with T2DM. In the adjusted models, younger age (AOR = 2.77), higher education (AOR = 3.14), and health professional support for treatment (AOR = 0.35) were predictors of physical activity.
Conclusions:
The study suggested further investigation on elders’ physical function and those who had low education. Healthcare providers should consider balancing between treatment and promoting lifestyle change for Saudi individuals with T2DM. In addition, Longitudinal studies with large sample size at national and regional levels are needed to further examine the personal and psychological risk factor in Saudis with T2DM.
Key words: Physical activity, prevalence, risk factors, Saudi Arabia, T2DM
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