Health Beliefs, Diabetes Education, and Physical Activity Engagement Among Persons Living With Diabetes in Ghana

ABSTRACT Background From the perspective of the health belief model (HBM), persons living with diabetes' (PLWD) perception about the severity of their condition, their perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers could determine their participation in physical activity. This study examined physical activity and its associated factors among PLWD in Ghana. Methods This cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The study involved 398 PLWD. A multivariate linear regression assessed the factors associated with physical activity. The results were presented as coefficients ( β ) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at < 0.05. Results The majority of participants exhibited moderate levels of physical activity (M = 6.15, SD = 3.99). After adjusting for covariates, higher perceived susceptibility ( β = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.50, 2.05), perceived benefits ( β = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.20, 2.27), and perceived barriers ( β = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.16, 1.17) were independently associated with higher physical activity scores. A higher waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) was negatively associated with physical activity ( β = −5.85, 95% CI: −11.14, −0.56). Compared to males, females had significantly lower physical activity levels ( β = −0.89, 95% CI: −1.68, −0.11). Being currently in a union ( β = −3.10, 95% CI: −4.64, −1.57) or previously in a union ( β = −3.26, 95% CI: −4.92, −1.61) was associated with lower physical activity compared to those who had never married. Regular attendance at diabetes education sessions was strongly associated with higher physical activity ( β = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.76, 4.27). Conclusion Perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers emerged as important cognitive determinants of physical activity, underscoring the relevance of health belief constructs in designing interventions. The findings suggest that diabetes management programmes should incorporate behavioural change models and prioritise targeted education and support, particularly for women and those in marital unions, to promote active lifestyles among PLWD in Ghana.