Psychosocial correlates of physical activity levels in individuals at risk of developing diabetes mellitus: A feasibility study

Abstract

Recognition of psychosocial factors associated with physical activity (PA) levels will facilitate development of targeted behavioural interventions to promote PA. The aims of this feasibility study were to screen individuals at risk of diabetes mellitus (DM), to quantify their physical activity (PA) levels and to investigate the associations between PA levels, exercise self-efficacy (ESE), psychological flexibility (PF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Twenty-six adults at risk of developing DM were recruited. Participants’ demographics, anthropometrics, ESE, PF and HRQoL, step counts using pedometers and self-reported PA levels (New Zealand physical activity questionnaire) over a 7-day period were collected. Participants’ mean (SD) age, weight and BMI were 41.4 (13.2) years, 71.4 (17.5) kgs, and 26.39 (8.41) kg/m², respectively. Based on daily step counts, 32% of participants were classified as “low active”. Mean (SD) scores of ESE, PF, HRQOL: physical (PCS) and mental component scores (MCS) were 3.4 (0.9) and, 47.8 (6), 51.4 and 49.2, respectively. ESE and MCS scores were positively associated with vigorous PA minutes/week (R² = 0.17; p = 0.04) and moderate PA minutes/week (R² = 0.20; p = 0.03), respectively. This feasibility study highlights the potential association of positive psychosocial attributes in determining PA levels in a cohort of individuals at risk of developing DM.