Physical Activity Perceptions and Participation of People With Type II Diabetes Mellitus in the Dominican Republic

TL;DR

People with type II diabetes in the Dominican Republic are physically active but rarely do vigorous exercise, and a common questionnaire doesn't accurately measure their activity.

Contribution

This study is the first to evaluate physical activity patterns and perceptions among people with diabetes in the Dominican Republic.

Findings

Participants engaged in 152.2 minutes per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity.

No vigorous physical activity was recorded despite high perceived importance of activity.

Self-reported activity levels did not correlate with objectively measured physical activity.

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) improves health outcomes for people with type II diabetes mellitus (diabetes), but little is known about PA among Dominicans. The purpose was to evaluate PA participation and perceptions among people with diabetes in the Dominican Republic (DR).

Methods: Participants (N=29) were recruited from an urban diabetes clinic in DR. PA was assessed via accelerometry and Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ).

Results: Eighteen women and 11 men enrolled (age: 55 ± 13 years; BMI: 28.6 ± 4.5 kg·m-2). Twenty-seven participants reached acceptable wear time. Using a one-minute bout minimum, moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) was 152.2 ± 59.7 min·day-1; no vigorous PA was recorded. GLTEQ scores (103 ± 98) classified 25 participants as active. Around 93% reported that PA was “very important” for their health. There was no association between GLTEQ and MVPA (p>0.2). Participants who reported being “very active” (n=17) did more MVPA than those who were “rarely active” or “somewhat active” (n=10; p=0.02).

Conclusion: Dominicans with diabetes are highly physically active but do very little vigorous PA. The GLTEQ was not an accurate measure of PA. Future research should develop validated questionnaires and evaluate structured exercise and dietary interventions.

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