Expert Opinions about Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity Participation in Ghanaian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sports
Abstract
Most adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not meet their physical activity (PA)
goals despite its importance in improving their health outcomes. Our study aim was to explore
the opinions of healthcare professionals regarding barriers and facilitators to PA participation in
Ghanaian adults with T2DM. Using qualitative descriptive design, data were collected through
semi-structured interviews with 13 healthcare professionals experienced in diabetes management
in Ghana. Three main themes relating to PA barriers and facilitators were identified in a thematic
analysis: health system-related factors, healthcare practitioner factors, and patient factors. Inadequate
accessibility to physical therapists and therapy centres hindered the provision of PA programs. Nurses
and doctors lacked sufficient knowledge and training on effective PA interventions for individuals
with T2DM. Time constraints during patient consultations limited discussions on PA, while the cost
associated with accessing physical therapy posed a significant challenge. Patients often disregarded
PA advice from physical therapists due to their reliance on doctors, and some perceived PA as
irrelevant for diabetes treatment. Despite these barriers, healthcare professionals expressed belief in
PA facilitators, including integrating physical therapists and diabetes educators into diabetes care,
providing structured exercise resources, improving curriculum planning to emphasise PA in health
science education, and addressing knowledge gaps and misconceptions. Overall, this study highlights
patient-related and healthcare system-related factors that influence PA behaviour in Ghanaian adults
with T2DM. Findings from this study should inform the development of tailored PA programs for
this population
Description
Research Article
Keywords
physical activity, exercise, type 2 diabetes, healthcare professionals, barriers, facilitators, Ghana, adults, qualitative study