Analyzing the exercise self-efficacy effect on diabetes self-management through a mediating and moderating mechanism: A quantitative study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose Health-promoting lifestyle activities and disease prevention measures play a significant role in diabetes care through self-management. Thus, expanding on social cognitive theory, the current study aims to test the mediating role of physical activity in the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and diabetes self-management via goal commitment moderation. Design/methodology/approach Data collection was performed through a quantitative survey based on questionnaires which were distributed among diagnosed patients of around 270 Type 2 diabetes who were attending diabetic OPD in major hospitals of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The feedback of respondents was analyzed using SPSS. Findings Results of the study have shown that exercise self-efficacy is positively associated with diabetes self-management and physical activity. Moreover, physical activity is positively associated with diabetes self-management. It has been found that physical activity partially mediates the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and diabetes self-management. Contrary to expectation, goal commitment does not moderate the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and physical activity. Originality/Novelty The current study put forward new theoretical and practical insights under the umbrella of social cognitive theory and suggests health policy makers to develop a culture of self-management of chronic illness to reduce morbidity and mortality in Pakistan, which is nowadays increasing at a rapid pace.