Exploring Physical Inactivity in Diabetic Adults: A Study From a Rural Health and Training Centre

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and one of the leading causes of mortality in many developing countries, such as India. For patients with diabetes, regular physical activity (PA) can improve blood glucose levels and help prevent further complications. Objective The main objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated risk factors among diabetic people, aged 30 to 60 years, attending the NCD clinic in the Rural Health and Training Centre (RHTC) of a medical college. Material and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in an RHTC of a medical college in Chennai to estimate the prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated risk factors among diabetic people aged 30 to 60 years. IEC permission was obtained, and informed consent was taken from the participants. Data were collected after interviewing 157 participants using a semi-structured questionnaire. PA levels were assessed using the World Health Organization's Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (WHO-GPAQ). Results The interview was conducted among 157 patients; the majority of them were female, literate, married, and unemployed. The prevalence of physical inactivity was observed in 58 participants (36.9%). Most participants had only a moderate level of PA. Older age, unemployment, and low socio-economic status showed significant differences in physical inactivity levels. Conclusion The study shows the PA levels among participants from a rural area. These findings can be used to incorporate new interventions to improve PA levels among rural diabetic patients.