Type 2 Diabetes Patients' Need for Physical Activity Programming: A Qualitative Study at a Yogyakarta Hospital Clinic

Physical activity programs offered in Indonesian hospitals are often inadequate to accomodate type 2 diabetes (T2D) patient's physical activity. This study aimed to identify the enablers and barriers to T2D patients' physical activity as well as their preferences and in experiences with physical activity program, with a view to developing future programs that are best suited to these patients' needs and preferences. Four focus group were conducted with 28 patients (50% female) of the T2D clinic at the Yogyakarta Public Hospotal. Thematic analysis was carried out using NVivo 10. The most commonly reported types of physical activity were walking and participation in the hospital-based exercise program. Participants were motivated to be physically active for the health benefits and for social interaction. The main barriers to physical activity were a lack of enjoyment, the absence of knowledge about appropriate activities for T2D patients, and a shortage of time due to social and family obligations.