Determinants of Leisure Time Physical Activity among Elderly Population with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Petaling District, Selangor, Malaysia- A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Human life expectancy has been increased worldwide due to advanced medical care and knowledge and awareness of healthy lifestyle. However, lack of physical activities and reduced muscle strength associated with comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Malaysian elderly population plays a vital role in deterioration of overall physical health and mental wellbeing. This study aimed at determining the determinants of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among the elderly population with T2DM living in Petaling District in Malaysia using socioecological model in a cross-sectional study design. A total of 520 elderly T2DM participants with no cognitive impairment from six health clinics within Petaling District Selangor using stratified to proportionate size sampling and simple random sampling methods have been included in this study. Data was collected through pre-tested and validated questionnaire using self-administered Interviewer assisted method. Descriptive analysis conducted for all study variables and independent

T-test, ANNOVA and multiple linear regression was conducted for further analysis with a significant level of <0.05 p-value and 95% CI. A s result LTPA was dominated by the non-exercise physical activity with cleaning house – indoor as

Most frequently engaged non-exercise physical activity. Meanwhile, commonest exercise based physical activity was walking. Majority of T2DM

Elderlies in Petaling district has low physical activity level with limited engagement in exercise based physical activity.