The model of relationships between factors influencing physical activity under the theory of social ecological model in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Objective To explore the mechanisms of individual, social and environmental factors influencing physical activity and the relationships among the factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods A survey was conducted from January to July 2015 among 225 patients with type 2 diabetes using convenience sampling. The questionnaire included 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire,Perceived Social Support Scale, Chinese Walkable Environment Scale, Bandura's Exercise Self-efficacy Scale. Results The effective questionnaire recovery rate was 98.7% (222/225). Exercise self-efficacy was a mediator of factors influencing physical activity. Exercise self-efficacy and physical activity were positively correlated (β=0.24,P <0.05). Walkable environment only affected physical activity indirectly medicated by exercise self-efficacy (β=-0.26,P <0.05). Perceived social support directly associated with physical activity (β=0.14,P <0.05). Depression not only affected physical activity directly (β=-0.28,P <0.05), but also associated with physical activity indirectly medicated by exercise self-efficacy (β=-0.32,P<0.05). Conclusions Interventions should be taken to increase the perceived social support, improve depression and walkable environment, especially to enhance exercise self-efficacy, so as to improve the physical activity level of patients with type 2 diabetes. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Physical activity; Self-efficacy