CURRENT STATUS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG OUTPATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES AT NAM DINH GENERAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: To describe the current status of physical activity and knowledge of physical activity among outpatients with type 2 diabetes at Nam Dinh General Hospital in 2025. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 195 outpatients with type 2 diabetes receiving treatment at Nam Dinh General Hospital from May 2025 to July 2025. The study used the GPAQ (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire) and the research by Tran Thi Kim Quy to assess physical activity levels and knowledge about physical activity. Data were collected through structured interviews using a standardized questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive statistics included percentages, means, and standard deviations for quantitative variables, and frequency tables with percentages for qualitative variables. Results: Only 39.5% of participants achieved sufficient levels of physical activity. Knowledge regarding physical activity was at a moderate level, with a mean score of 4.88 ± 1.24, and 56.4% of participants had inadequate knowledge. Conclusion: The level of physical activity among patients was relatively low and did not meet the recommendations of the World Health Organization. The hospital should strengthen health education combined with visual materials to improve patients’ understanding and practice. Physical activity should be incorporated into treatment “prescriptions” and monitored periodically alongside clinical indicators to enhance adherence and enable early detection of physical inactivity. Greater support from peer groups, families, and the community is also needed to sustain regular physical activity.