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

This study aims to examine the cognitive-behavioral determinants of physical activity behaviors (PABs) of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 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. 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). 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.