Level of physical activity among type 2 diabetes patients in AFGHANISTAN

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder causing increase in blood sugar level in the body affecting 422 million people are living with diabetes worldwide. Diabetes is reaching epidemic level in Afghanistan effecting female population more than male population. Physical activity plays a major role in management of diabetes type 2 but it has been major concern of Afghanistan, since most of the Afghan population is inactive due to various factors. Prevalence rate of physical inactivity is 31.1% world wide and 59.2% in Afghanistan. Objectives: To determine the physical activity level among type 2 diabetes patients and to find out about integration of physical activity in diabetic care management in Afghanistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study involving 150 patients was performed. Data were collected using Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) through face to face interview from Abu Ali Sina Balkhi regional hospital, Mazar I Sharif city, Afghanistan. Descriptive analysis and correlation test was performed appropriately when needed. Result: Majority of participants were female. The individuals from age group 45-55 are affected from diabetes type 2. Half of participants (50%) did not receive formal education. 24% of participants had normal weight, 50% were overweight and 26% were obese. Female (14.4%) were more inactive than male (10.75%) participants and were at more risk of developing coexisting disease. Nearly 11% of participants were inactive. The female was much more inactive than male. The average sitting time spent in sitting by participant was 6.37 hours per day. Physical activity level correlates with blood glucose level and body mass index, blood glucose level correlates with sitting time in both male and female. Among male participants age correlated with Body Mass Index and total physical activity correlates with blood glucose level. Among female participant’s duration of diabetes and leisure time physical activity correlates with blood glucose level, physical activity intensity and sitting time correlates leisure time physical activity and total physical activity correlates with physical activity advised, blood glucose level and sitting time. Conclusion: To sum up, one tenth of participants in our study were inactive, which was much lower in comparison to general inactive prevalence rate of Afghanistan. The physical inactivity prevalence was more among female population which is similar to national prevalence of inactivity. Key words: Physical activity, Diabetes mellitus type 2,