Physical activity among women with type 2 diabetes: prediction by the extended theory of reasoned action

A far-reaching body of the literature highlights that continuous performing of diabetes self-management behaviors is effective on diabetics. Nowadays among self-care behaviors, physical activity is the most important behavior that influences diabetes control. This study aimed to understand and predict physical activity behavior based on the extended theory of reasoned action among women with type 2 diabetes, in Khoy located in Western North of Iran. An eligible sample of 352 women with type 2 diabetes, referring to a Diabetes Clinic and the Charity Foundation for Diabetes Disease participated in the study. Appropriate instruments were designed to measure the variables of interest (diabetes knowledge, personal beliefs, subjective norm, self-efficacy and behavioral intention along with physical activity behavior). Reliability and validity of the instruments were examined and approved. Statistical analyses of study were conducted by SPSS package. The findings of investigation indicated that there exists a statistical significant correlation among independent constructs of proposed model with Model-related dependent variables, as among constructs of model, self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of intentions among women with type 2 diabetes. This construct both directly and indirectly affected physical activity behavior. In addition to self efficacy, diabetic's physical activity also is influenced by other variables of model and sociodemographic factors. Our findings suggest the high ability of the extended theory of reasoned action with self-efficacy in forecasting and explaining physical activity can be a base for educational intervention. Thus, for improving diabetic's physical activity behavior and finally controlling the disease, using educational interventions based on proposed model are necessary.