Designing a Health Education Program about Physical Activities for Adult Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a growing chronic disease globally, including in Saudi Arabia. Although physical activity is vital for managing it, most Saudi adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are inactive. This makes targeted health education programs crucial for encouraging exercise. Aim of study: This study aimed to design a health education program on physical activity for adult diabetic patients. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey with a Delphi round was conducted in Najran, Saudi Arabia. A convenient sample of thirty adult diabetic patients and a judgmental one of 12 expert panelists. Two tools for data collection: these belonged to adult diabetic patients, for five parts, and two parts for expert panelists. Results: The adult diabetic patients were urban Saudi nationals, with 43.3% being equal to or over 40 years old, with a mean age of 35.5 years. 55% are married, and 40% have university-level and professional jobs. As well, all experimenters were men and resided in urban areas. Seven were aged between 30 and 40 years, with a mean of 34.33 (SD = 5.50). Five held a master's degree, nine were nurses, and six were health educators and directors. Years of experience of 10 or more were among the nine. Conclusion: It is concluded that adult diabetic patients agreed that an effective health education program for physical activity must be patient-centred and practical. The program's design, content, and visual elements were evaluated and approved by both adult diabetic patients and the expert panelists, confirming a strong consensus that the program is well-designed and suitable for its target audience. Recommendations effectively promote physical activity among diabetic patients by implementing various health educational activities, integrating the designed program into healthcare services, and conducting further research.