PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TO DIABETES TYPE 2 IN ELDERLY

ABSTRACT The aim this study was examined the association between physical activity, sociodemographic variables, health conditions and disease knowledge and attitudes in older adults with type 2 diabetes (DM2). A questionnaire for the collection of sociodemographic data and health conditions, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Diabetes Knowledge Scale (DKN-A), and Diabetes Attitude Questionnaire (ATT-19) were applied to 204 older adults. The absolute and relative frequencies was obtained and the results were analyzed by the chi-square test for proportions, bivariate analysis and logistic regression (p≤0.05). Significant associations were observed between being physically active and age above 70 years (OR=0.40; 95%CI: 0.22-0.90), having good knowledge of DM2 (OR=12.7; 95%CI: 6.8-30.1), and having a positive attitude towards DM2 self-care (OR=10.1; 95%CI: 6.34-20.1). Physical activity is associated with greater knowledge and a positive attitude towards DM2 self-care.