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Oct 7, 2022Keywords:
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Material submitted for publication in the Journal of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa (JEMDSA) is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. JEMDSA reserves copyright of the material published. Neither JEMDSA nor the Publisher may be held responsible for statements made by the authors.
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Exploring the role of the biokineticist in diabetes self-management: a survey of patients’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about exercise
Abstract
Background: Self-management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in South Africa (SA) is sub-optimal, with exercise reported to be the least employed modality of self-management. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of T2DM patients regarding T2DM self-management, and to explore participants’ awareness and acceptance of the role of biokineticists in the management of T2DM.
Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in October 2019 at an urban, district hospital in South Africa. A validated questionnaire was administered to T2DM outpatients. Participants’ knowledge was evaluated by true/false questions, and their attitudes and perceptions on a five-point Likert scale.
Results: Reported adherence to prescribed diabetes medication by participants (n = 150) was high, at 96%. However, only 60% of participants reported exercising regularly; 47.3% followed a recommended diet for T2DM; and 32.7% took appropriate care of their feet. Responses given by the participants regarding their knowledge and perceptions indicated good insight into the role of exercise in the management of T2DM (94.7%). There was low awareness of the field of biokinetics, with 74% of participants admitting no knowledge of ‘biokinetics’. However, after receiving information on the role of the biokineticist in T2DM, 92% of participants were willing to work with a biokineticist to manage their T2DM.
Conclusion: There was low reported adherence to exercise, diet and foot care among participants, despite good knowledge about, and attitudes to, the modalities of T2DM self-management. Majority of participants (92%) expressed a willingness to work with a biokineticist to manage their T2DM. However, there is a need for greater awareness and employment of biokineticists in the multidisciplinary team to help improve the uptake of exercise by patients with T2DM.
