Exercise behavior and knowledge among the DM type II patients

Abstract

Objective: To study the exercise behavior and knowledge about physical exercise among diabetic patients. The authors explored the correlation between the exercise behavior and knowledge of physical exercise. Material and Method: DM type II patients aged more than 18 years, who attended the DM clinic, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok between April and August 2007 were randomly interviewed by using questionnaires while they were waiting to see their doctors. Results: One hundred and ninety six patients were interviewed. They were 62 males and 134 females with an average age of 60. 5 years. Most of them exercised regularly at least three times a week (65. 8%). Most of them exercised by walking (67%). They liked to exercise in their houses (48. 7%), and in the morning (41. 8%). Health care providers provided knowledge about exercise (58. 2%). The benefit of exercise known the least was that it could increase endorphin release (61. 2%). The aerobic exercise principle known the least was the proper frequency of exercise (50. 5%). In addition, the exercise principle in DM known the least was that the DM patients should consult their doctors before starting to exercise (49%). Conclusion: Most of the DM patients exercised regularly, but some had insufficient knowledge. The researchers will take the results to provide the adequate knowledge to the DM patients in the future.