Predictors of health behaviours among people with recently diagnosed Type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background: Behavioural interventions shown to be an effective strategy (in terms of changing behaviour among those at risk) for targeting multiple high risk behaviours in relation Type 2 diabetes. Physical activity plays an important role in the management of Type 2 diabetes. Aims & Objective: The overall aim of study was to identify demographic and psychosocial predictors of change in selfreported physical activity and to identify targets for future interventions. Material and Methods: Participants (N = 478) of this study were all randomized into the ADDITION Plus trial and were recruited from 36 practices in East Anglia region, in U.K. Participants were people recently diagnosed with diabetes (screen detected and clinically diagnosed within the preceding 3 years were individually randomized) and were between the age group of 40-69 years, (mean age 59.2 years). The present study is an observational cohort study. For the current study self-reported data regarding physical activity measured at baseline and one year were used and all demographic (age, sex, ethnic group, age finished full time education, current working status, socioeconomic status) and psychosocial (perceived behaviour control, intention) predictors were assessed at baseline. Linear univariate and multivariable linear regression analysis was used to quantify the associations between demographic and psychosocial correlates. Results: Adjusting for baseline physical activity, only ‘current working status’ and ‘physical activity at baseline’ independently predicted physical activity at one year. No significant associations were found for any other correlates. Conclusion: Present study found very few predictors of physical activity over the year. It is critical to further investigate the change in physical activity by including other correlates related to demography, psycho-social, environmental influences such as family support, physical environment etc. Present findings outline that being employed predicted physical activity over 12 months, accordingly it may be suggested that future interventions should be planned for retired, not working and employed people.