Physical Exercise and Factors Affecting Among Adult Diabetic Patients at Wolaita Soddo University Teaching Referral Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Background: Physical activity is an important factor in reducing morbidity from diabetes and maintaining quality of life. Regular physical activity may help to increase the glucose uptake and improve insulin sensitivity in muscle, thus leading to good glycemic control. Even though its positive impact on diabetic patients is scientifically proven, there is lack of research findings on the topic in the country especially in Wolaita zone. Therefore፣ this study aimed to assess physical Exercise and factors affecting among adult Diabetic patients at Wolaita Soddo University Teaching Referral Hospital. A facility based cross-sectional study design was used and data was collected from 201 adult diabetic patients by using structured questionnaire for patient interview to collect information on socio-demographic, socio-economic and the patient’s knowledge ,practice and attitude towards physical exercise. Among 201 patients participated in the study, 118(58.7%) were males and majority of the respondents found with in age range of 45-54, 78(38.8%) followed by 55-64, 51(27%). Majority,142 (70.6%) of diabetic patients had a body mass index of above a normal value indicating that they had obesity. Furthermore, 166 (82.6%) of the respondents had positive attitude towards importance of physical exercise for their health but only 18.4% were practicing regular physical exercise for which absence of clear instruction or education given, 21(24.5%) followed by being busy by other tasks accounting 16(22%) were found to be common barriers affecting physical exercise. In conclusion this study found that level of practicing regular physical exercise among adult diabetic patients at Wolaita Soddo University teaching referral hospital was found to be insufficient and majority of the diabetic patients were obese .Hence there should be regular follow up of patients’ body mass index and regular exercise education should be given during their each hospital visit. Keywords: Physical exercise, Soddo, Diabetes, Practice, Attitud