Physical inactivity and barriers to physical activity among Type-2 diabetics in Kumasi, Ghana.

Background: Although the benefits of physical activity (PA) in diabetes management are well documented, there insufficient data on physical activity levels and barriers to physical activity among Type-2 diabetics in Ghana. This study assessed physical activity and barriers to physical activity among Type-2 diabetics at Manhyia Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Methods: The study recruited 97 participants (32% men, 68% women). Physical activity was assessed using the Global physical activity questionnaire and barriers to PA were assessed using the Barriers to being active Quiz. Anthropometry and sociodemographic data were also collected. Results: Prevalence of overweight/ obesity was 63.9%. About 60% of participants were inactive. Social influence (60.8%) was the most prevalent PA barrier followed by lack of energy (59.8%) and lack of willpower (58.8%). Majority of participants (57.7%) reported at least 4 barriers to being active. There was a significant negative correlation between age and number of PA barriers (r = -0.214, p = 0.035). A significantly higher proportion of employed participants were active compared to the unemployed/ retired participants (p = 0.035). Conclusion: This population of Type-2 diabetics needs urgent lifestyle interventions to improve physical activity and weight, considering that the main physical activity barriers were personal motivation related.