Association between diabetes-related knowledge, perceived adherence to lifestyle changes and physical activity level among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at SASMEC@IIUM

Background: Diabetes-related knowledge is fundamental to effective diabetes management, influencing self-management and health outcomes. Changes in lifestyle, including diet modification and physical activity, are all necessary for effective nutrition treatment. Therefore, this study aims to identify the relationship between diabetes-related knowledge and physical activity levels with perceived adherence to lifestyle changes among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: Questionnaires consisting of Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT), Perceived Adherence Lifestyle Modification (PALM-Q), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used through self-administers. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). A total of 33 respondents, T2DM patients aged 18 and above in SASMEC@IIUM, were involved in this study. Results: The Spearman Correlation test found no association between diabetes-related knowledge and perceived adherence to lifestyle changes and physical activity level (p>0.05). Additionally, the Chi-Square Independence test shows a significant association between perceived adherence to lifestyle changes and physical activity level (p>0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is no association between diabetes-related knowledge and perceived adherence to lifestyle changes and physical activity level, yet there is a significant association between perceived adherence to lifestyle changes and physical activity level among T2DM patients in SASMEC@IIUM.