Physical inactivity and barriers to physical activity among Type-2 diabetics in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Although the benefits of physical activity (PA) in diabetes management are well documented, there insufficientdata on physical activity levels and barriers to physical activity among Type-2 diabetics in Ghana. This study assessed physicalactivity and barriers to physical activity among Type-2 diabetics at Manhyia Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Methods: The study recruited 97 participants (32% men, 68% women). Physical activity was assessed using the Global physicalactivity questionnaire and barriers to PA were assessed using the Barriers to being active Quiz. Anthropometry and sociodemographicdata were also collected. Results: Prevalence of overweight/ obesity was 63.9%. About 60% of participants were inactive. Social influence (60.8%)was the most prevalent PA barrier followed by lack of energy (59.8%) and lack of willpower (58.8%). Majority of participants(57.7%) reported at least 4 barriers to being active. There was a significant negative correlation between age and number of PAbarriers (r = -0.214, p = 0.035). A significantly higher proportion of employed participants were active compared to the unemployed/retired participants (p = 0.035). Conclusion: This population of Type-2 diabetics needs urgent lifestyle interventions to improve physical activity and weight,considering that the main physical activity barriers were personal motivation related. Keywords: Physical activity barriers; Type 2 diabetics; Ghana; physical activity.