Participation in Regular Leisure-Time Physical Activity Among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Not Meeting Canadian Guidelines: the Influence of Intention, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Moral Norm

Abstract

Most people with type 2 diabetes do not engage in regular leisure-time physical activity. The theory of planned behavior and moral norm construct can enhance our understanding of physical activity intention and behavior among this population. This study aims to identify the determinants of both intention and behavior to participate in regular leisure-time physical activity among individuals with type 2 diabetes who not meet Canada's physical activity guidelines. By using secondary data analysis of a randomized computer-tailored print-based intervention, participants (n = 200) from the province of Quebec (Canada) completed and returned a baseline questionnaire measuring their attitude, perceived behavioral control, and moral norm. One month later, they self-reported their level of leisure-time physical activity. A hierarchical regression equation showed that attitude (beta = 0.10, P < 0.05), perceived behavioral control (beta = 0.37, P < 0.001), and moral norm (beta = 0.45, P < 0.001) were significant determinants of intention, with the final model explaining 63% of the variance. In terms of behavioral prediction, intention (beta = 0.34, P < 0.001) and perceived behavioral control (beta = 0.16, P < 0.05) added 17% to the variance, after controlling the effects of the experimental condition (R (2) = 0.04, P < 0.05) and past participation in leisure-time physical activity (R (2) = 0.22, P < 0.001). The final model explained 43% of the behavioral variance. Finally, the bootstrapping procedure indicated that the influence of moral norm on behavior was mediated by intention and perceived behavioral control. The determinants investigated offered an excellent starting point for designing appropriate counseling messages to promote leisure-time physical activity among individuals with type 2 diabetes.