Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Humans have been increasingly spending more time in sedentary behaviors such as prolonged sitting. Regular physical activity is associated with enhanced physical and mental health. Studies have shown that regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, depression and obesity. Patients frequently identify their family physicians as an important source of constant encouragement for physical activity.

Purpose: We wanted to assess the impact of regular awareness sessions about physical activity by Primary care physicians in diabetic patients.

Methods: 73 diabetic patients between the age group 30 to 60 years were recruited in this single center study in rural India.70 participants completed this 6-month intervention study whereas 3 participants dropped out of study. Once in a month audio visual awareness session of one hour were conducted from August 2017 to January 2018 by primary care physicians to educate the diabetic patients about ill effects of sedentary lifestyle and benefits of regular physical activity. Pre and post intervention data were collected by using validated Godin leisure time exercise questionnaire from all 70 participants. Paired t test and Wilcoxon test were used to compare pre- and post-intervention data. Percentage increase in physical activity score was also calculated.

Results: In this study baseline Godin score pre intervention was 38.82±12.22 (Mean±SD) and post intervention was 65.98±11.25 (Mean±SD). Diabetic patients significantly improved Godin score post intervention which was statistically significant (p:<0.001). Compared to baseline pre intervention score, there was 170% increase in physical activity score post intervention.

Conclusions: Regular awareness sessions using modern technology by primary care physicians definitely showed positive change in physical activity behavior in diabetic patients. These regular sessions also helped to change the attitude and behavior about physical activity. Primary care physicians can play a significant role in counseling patients and promoting physical activity. Active involvement of primary care physician in this intervention further helped in establishing and continuing physical activity behavior. As primary care physicians have direct regular contact with their patients and their families, their role in promotion of physical activity will have more impact and long-lasting effect on diabetic patient’s behavior. Similar studies are needed to assess impact of physical activity awareness sessions in diabetic patients.