Iranian Journal of Diabetes and Obesity
Shahid Sadoughi University Of Medical Sciences
Fri, Nov 21, 2025
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Volume 17, Issue 4 (10-2025)
IJDO 2025, 17(4): 238-247 |
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Azmsha T, Veisia E, Pirayesh A. The Role of Supportive Groups in Enhancing Adherence to Physical Activity among Diabetic Patients in Khuzestan Province. IJDO 2025; 17 (4) :238-247
URL: http://ijdo.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-991-en.html
URL: http://ijdo.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-991-en.html
Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
Abstract: (147 Views)
Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of support groups to enhance physical activity adherence of patients with diabetes in the Khuzestan Province of Iran to improve diabetes management and help reduce complications from the disease.
Materials and Methods: The study used a mixed methods approach. The qualitative phase included the analysis of twenty-three diabetic patients, a professor from a university, and sporting federation personnel in semi-structured interviews. This phase and advanced a theoretical structure with four primary types and 19 placeholders of exercise adherence. The quantitative phase employed a 59-item highly reliable questionnaire (Chronbach’s alpha= 0.923) to diabetic patients. A sample of 384 respondents was obtained using a random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using the software SPSS and Smart PLS. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used.
Results: Support was personal (self-efficacy and other digital support tools 11.92 percent), family (joint activities 42.09 percent), friends (helps in alleviating social loneliness, 7.03%), and public (enhanced policies and infrastructure, 9.73%). 70.78 percent of support was exercised to help with adherence to physical activity. Conclusion: Support groups are critical to increasing physical activity adherence among diabetes patients.
Conclusion: By removing obstacles through improved self-efficacy, family involvement, peer connections, and public resources, support groups dramatically increase diabetic patients' adherence to physical activity. It is crucial to incorporate culturally sensitive methods, educational initiatives, and digital platforms. Long-term efficacy, underlying mechanisms, and cultural influences on the uptake of social support should all be investigated in future research.
Materials and Methods: The study used a mixed methods approach. The qualitative phase included the analysis of twenty-three diabetic patients, a professor from a university, and sporting federation personnel in semi-structured interviews. This phase and advanced a theoretical structure with four primary types and 19 placeholders of exercise adherence. The quantitative phase employed a 59-item highly reliable questionnaire (Chronbach’s alpha= 0.923) to diabetic patients. A sample of 384 respondents was obtained using a random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using the software SPSS and Smart PLS. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used.
Results: Support was personal (self-efficacy and other digital support tools 11.92 percent), family (joint activities 42.09 percent), friends (helps in alleviating social loneliness, 7.03%), and public (enhanced policies and infrastructure, 9.73%). 70.78 percent of support was exercised to help with adherence to physical activity. Conclusion: Support groups are critical to increasing physical activity adherence among diabetes patients.
Conclusion: By removing obstacles through improved self-efficacy, family involvement, peer connections, and public resources, support groups dramatically increase diabetic patients' adherence to physical activity. It is crucial to incorporate culturally sensitive methods, educational initiatives, and digital platforms. Long-term efficacy, underlying mechanisms, and cultural influences on the uptake of social support should all be investigated in future research.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/05/8 | Accepted: 2025/10/1 | Published: 2025/10/30
Received: 2025/05/8 | Accepted: 2025/10/1 | Published: 2025/10/30
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