Psychological factors associated with changes in physical activity in Dutch people with type 2 diabetes under societal lockdown: A cross‐sectional study

AIMS: To investigate changes in physical activity (PA) and psychological factors during societal lockdown in people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A cross‐sectional study among Dutch adults with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected using online questionnaires. A multivariate multinomial logistic regression was performed with change in PA during societal lockdown as outcome and perceived change in stress, anxiety, perceived risk for COVID‐19 infection, emotional well‐being and former PA status as determinants. RESULTS: Five hundred and sixty seven respondents filled out the questionnaire, 536 were included in the final analysis: mean age of 65.9 ± 7.9 years; mean diabetes duration 13.3 ± 8 years; 54% men; 47% reported no change in PA, 27% became less active and 26% became more active during societal lockdown. Participants who were more likely to become less active were participants who experienced more stress (OR: 2.27; 95% CI 1.25–4.13) or less stress (OR: 2.20; 95% CI 1.03–4.71). Participants who were more likely to become more active were participants who experienced more stress (OR: 2.31; 95% CI 1.25, 4.26). Participants with higher emotional well‐being (OR: 0.98; 95% CI 0.97, 0.99) were less likely to become less active than to report no change in PA. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in PA in people with type 2 diabetes during societal lockdown are associated with changes in psychological factors such as perceived stress and emotional well‐being. People with diabetes and their caregivers should be aware of these possible changes.