Cognitive predictors of physical activity behaviors among rural patients with type 2 diabetes: applicability of the Extended Theory of Reasoned Action (ETRA)

Background: This study aims to examine the cognitive-behavioral determinants of physical activity behaviors (PABs) of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Subjects and methods: In this cross-sectional study, census sampling was employed to enroll 120 rural patients with type 2 diabetes in the Chalderan County in 2015. To collect data, a valid and reliable instrument, based on the Extended Theory of Reasoned Action (ETRA) constructs, was used. Data were analyzed by SPSS 21 software using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: Using the one-way ANOVA test, it was found that PABs had statistically significant correlation with all ETRA constructs except subjective norms (P=0.574). Knowledge (P=0.015), self-efficacy (P<0.001) and behavioral intention (P<0.001) had a significant association with PABs, respectively. Also, ETRA structures were able to reflect 41.0% of the behavioral changes. Among structures, knowledge (P=0.014), self-efficacy (P<0.001), and behavioral intention (P=0.020) were significant predictors of PABs (R2=0.414). Conclusions: Health care providers may consider the ETRA an appropriate framework to design educational interventions aimed at improving PABs among rural patients with type 2 diabetes.