Physical activity behaviour in people with diabetes residing in India: A cross-sectional analysis

Aim: To describe and analyse physical activity behaviour and barriers and facilitators, in adults with diabetes residing in India. Methods: The sample consisted of 190 (110 men and 80 women) adults with diabetes living in India. The mean age of the sample was 57 years (18 to 83 years), and the mean duration since diagnosis of diabetes was 10.38 years (SD 8.41 years). All participants completed a questionnaire about their physical activity behaviour, importance of, and barriers and facilitators. Results: 78.9% of participants thought that physical activity was important in the control of diabetes. 54.7% of respondents did regular physical activity every week, and physical activity was more frequent in men (63.6%), and in those with an intermediate (60%) or advanced (65.2%) level of English. Barriers that discouraged participants from physical activity were lack of time (31.6%), lack of knowledge (23.2%) and health limitations (17.4%). Potential identified facilitators included more information about physical activity (39%) and group exercise with people of the same sex or speaking the same language. Conclusions: Most of the sample thought that physical activity is important to control diabetes, although few participated in regular physical activity. Findings also suggest that physical activity had a higher importance for men, for those with an advanced level of English and those under 60 years of age. Men, those with intermediate or advance level of English, and people under 60 years were significantly more active.