Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Regarding Physical Exercise in Type 2 Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Staff at a Tertiary Institution

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a global epidemic, where increasing urbanization encourages sedentary lifestyles. Persistent physical inactivity can lead to T2DM and increase the risk of T2DM in the general population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding exercise amongst T2DM and non-diabetic (ND) staff at a tertiary institution in KwaZulu Natal South Africa. A total of 166 responses were received: a total of 16 responses (9.6%) were T2DM, and 150 responses (90.0%) were non-diabetic (ND). The demographics included 66.3% females and 33.7% males who consented to taking part, 62.7% were black, 18.7% were Indian, 12% were white, 5.4% were colored, and 1.2% were other. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design, utilizing a modified validated online knowledge, attitudes, and practice questionnaire, was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis: inferential statistics; the ordinal (1-5) Likert scale; <i>t</i>-tests; and chi-square tests. The level of statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> ≤ 0.05. No significant differences were found between the T2DM and ND groups except in their attitude towards exercise, which showed three items with significant differences. The ND group agreed significantly more than the T2DM group that they looked forward to exercising (<i>p</i> = 0.002), and even without company, they exercised regularly (<i>p</i> = 0.042). The T2DM group agreed significantly more with the statement that they had asked their doctor if there was medicine available to make them better without doing any exercise (<i>p</i> = 0.002). The overall KAP results of the current study found that both participants diagnosed with T2DM and those in the ND group know about exercise and have a good attitude toward exercise. However, both groups still have poor practice regarding physical activity.