Evaluation of exercise self-efficacy among diabetic patients in primary health centers in Al-Qadisiyah city / Iraq

Background: Exercise self-efficacy in diabetes refers to an individual's belief in their ability to engage in and adhere to an exercise regimen as part of their diabetes management plan. It specifically relates to their confidence in their capability to perform regular physical activity, overcome barriers or challenges, and maintain consistency in exercise participation. Believed that regular exercise is highly beneficial for individuals with diabetes as it can help improve glycemic control, enhance insulin sensitivity, manage weight, reduce cardiovascular risk factors, and promote overall well-being. However, incorporating exercise into one's lifestyle can be challenging, especially for individuals with diabetes who may have concerns about managing blood glucose levels, potential complications, or physical limitations. In Iraq, there is a lack of understanding regarding the management of self-efficacy and the role that self-efficacy has on adherence to activities that promote self-care and overall illness control. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate exercise self-efficacy among diabetic patients in primary healthcare centers in Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional research design was used. The study was conducted in primary healthcare centers in Al-Qadisiyah City in central Iraq from April 2022 to November 2022. The study population consisted of 200 patients (Male and Female) with diabetes living in Al-Qadisiyah City. As a data collection tool, The Arabic version of the Sociodemographic Characteristics Form and Exercise self-efficacy scale (ESE). The data collection was conducted through face-to-face interviews. The data analysis involved utilizing descriptive statistics (such as numbers, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and quantitative data analysis methods, including t-tests and ANOVA. Results: The results of the study showed that 51.5% of them are 44 years old or below, 51.0% are male, 70.5% of them are married, in the number of people in the family 36.5% were more than 6, and 34% are Bachelor. Also, regarding the occupational distribution of the participants 38.5% were employees, participant's work experience 36% were 5 years or less, participants regarding income satisfaction 43% were somehow satisfied, regarding the presence of a previous illness 63.5% answered no, regarding the diagnosis period of the disease were 43.5% of them gave the answer between 1-5 years, and regarding the evaluation of physical activity 38.5% were good/moderate. In another hand, the results showed a statistically significant association between self-efficacy exercise and physical activity for diabetic patients in primary health centers in Qadisiyah in Iraq, where p value were < 0.05. Conclusion: It is demonstrated a significant association between exercise self-efficacy and physical activity among diabetic patients in the primary health centers of Qadisiyah, Iraq. This highlights the importance of promoting and enhancing exercise self-efficacy to encourage individuals to adopt and sustain regular physical activity as part of their diabetes management.