Investigating Physical Exercise among Jordanians with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

This study is aimed to investigate exercise behaviors (frequency and duration) among Jordanian diabetic patients, and their correlation with their physical characteristics and perceived exercise benefits and barriers, exercise self efficacy, and exercise planning. An exploratory descriptive design was utilized using the cross-sectional survey with self-reported questionnaires (Demographics, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale, Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale, and Commitment to a Plan for Exercise Scale). A convenience sample of 115 Jordanians with diabetes mellitus was recruited from diabetes outpatient clinics. Participants reported an average number of 3.2 physical activities per week (average of 2.9 hours), with walking being the most common activity. Participant's body mass index, comorbidity index, and exercise self-efficacy were correlated with both frequency and duration of exercise (r = −0.393, −0.286, 0.219 and −0.272, 0.383, 0.260, respectively). A predictive model of five predictors (age, BMI, CCI, exercise self efficacy, and perceived exercise barriers) that significantly predicted exercise duration (R 2 = 0.34, F = 9.14, P < 0.000) was found. Diabetic patients were found to exercise less than optimum. Illness itself was not a cause of not exercising compared to lack of time and desire. Factors that can enhance or inhibit participants' engagement in exercise should be included in designing tailored exercise educational programs.

<p>Barriers to good glycemic control levels and adherence to diabetes management plan in adults with Type-2 diabetes in Jordan: a literature review</p>

“…A total of 32 studies were eligible and included in this review focusing on the barriers to good glycemic control and adherence to diabetes management plan in adults with T2DM in Jordan. Of these 32 studies, 13 discussed issues related to Type 1 diabetes and T2DM,8,14–16,31,35,42,43,53–57,71 while 13 focused on T2DM only 10,11,17,19,21,25,29,33,34,44,45,48,56. Four of the studies addressed other long-term diseases alongside diabetes,26,50,51,70 and two studies focused on lifestyle issues and diabetes-risk factors 18,41.…”

“…Despite the publication of research findings that have shown the importance of physical activity, the recommended physical activity among patients with diabetes in Jordan is still low. Low levels of physical activity are reported as being common among patients with poorly controlled diabetes 10,11,42. A cross-sectional study revealed that 51 (45.1%) patients reported walking as the most common exercise and lack of desire, time, and having diabetes were reasons for not exercising 42…”

“…Jordan.Random selection, 3196 (General population).Cross-sectional study. Knowledge and practice of leisure-time physical activity were assessed by a questionnaire.12.5% were physically active, and 55.9% of the participants recognised the recommended physical activity guidelines in Jordan.Darawad et al, 2016 42. Four hospitals in Jordan, Jordan.Convenience, 115 patients with diabetes.Cross-sectional survey.…”

Percutaneous coronary intervention and heart surgery learning needs of patients in Jordan

“…Moreover, several Jordanian studies indicated that patients adhered poorly to healthcare recommendations about physical exercise (Darawad et al 2014;Khalil et al 2013;Mosleh & Darawad 2015). In general, the Jordanian population is not physically active and does not consider physical exercise as a part of their daily routine (Al-Nsour et al 2012;Darawad et al 2016).…”

Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale: Validation of the Arabic Version Among Jordanians With Chronic Diseases

“…Even though the advantages of performing physical exercise for patients with chronic diseases are well-documented, their adherence to exercise recommendations is still less than the required (Hammad, Darawad, Haourani, & Demeh, 2015;Laoutaris et al, 2007). For instance, Darawad, Mosleh, et al (2016) reported that patients with DM exercised for an average of only 2.9 hr weekly, which was less than the recommended for such group of patients.…”