Development of a Tool to Increase Physical Activity among People at Risk for Diabetes in Low-Resourced Communities in Cape Town

Targeted lifestyle interventions, including physical activity (PA), have been proven to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. South Africa’s unique context, complex environment and varied cultures and ethnicities require tailored interventions. Our objective was to develop a context-appropriate tool for the South African Diabetes Prevention Programme’s PA lifestyle component in order to enable people at risk of developing diabetes to adopt PA. We used mixed methods to inform the development of the tool. Descriptive analyses of baseline survey data included socio-demographics, anthropometrics, blood pressure and biochemical measurements, reported medical history, PA behaviours, and built environment information. Focus group discussions assisted in understanding perceived challenges, barriers and facilitators/opportunities to PA. A literature search on successful South African PA interventions was done, and PA experts in Cape Town were consulted. Quantitative data were analysed using the software R, version 3.4.4 and qualitative data were thematically analysed. Participants (n = 316) recruited were mostly black (54.4%) and of mixed-ancestry (44.6%); they were mainly female (80.1%), obese (75.2%), and had an haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) above 5.7% (65.5%), with 30% having hypertension and 87% (self-reported) meeting the World Health Organisation (WHO) PA recommendation. Main barriers to PA practice were safety, cost and accessibility of sports facilities, and laziness. We included practising moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercises and take-home self-help materials as recommended. By combining results, we produced a targeted, practical and promotional PA booklet.