The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #38848

Stephen J. Morewitz, PhD, Valerie Schade-Serin, BS, Jon Thompson, BS, Chester Williams, BS, and Dave Nielson, BS. Research Division, California College of Podiatric Medicine, 100 Corporate Place, Ste. C, Vallej, CA 94590, (707) 558-1313, smorewitz@ccpm.edu

Promoting healthy behaviors among diabetics is especially important given the epidemic of diabetes in the adult population. Although women are more likely than men to engage in certain health promoting behaviors, women have been found to participate less in vigorous physical activity than men. Physical activity is essential for women and men with diabetes and other chronic diseases. However, there are few studies that evaluate gender differences in physical activity and in the extent to which diabetes interferes with daily activities? This study used data from the 1998 Health Interview Survey (N=30,534 adults) to evaluate possible gender differences in vigorous activity and diabetes impairment among non-insulin-dependent diabetics. The Survey obtained self-report data from diabetics (N=1,906) on a variety of health and disability problems, including diabetes impairment, participation in physical activity, perceived weight impairment, and body mass index. Chi-square and correlational procedures tested the null hypothesis that there are no gender differences in physical activity and diabetes impairment among non-insulin-dependent diabetics. Partial correlations were performed to control for possible confounding variables such as body mass index, perceived weight impairment, and arthritis impairment. The null hypothesis was rejected. Among female non-insulin-dependent diabetics, physical activity was positively associated with diabetes impairment (r=+.147, p<.000, N=553). In contrast, physical activity was not related to diabetes impairment among male non-insulin-dependent diabetics. Partial correlations showed that these gender differences remained significant after controlling for possible predictor variables. This study reveals that female non-insulin-dependent diabetics who engage in vigorous physical activity are more likely than male non-insulin-dependent diabetics who participate in physical activity to report diabetes impairment.

Learning Objectives: "At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Describe the gender differences in physical activity and diabetes impairment."
• Explain which factors may contribute to these gender differences in physical activity and diabetes impairment."
• Develop intervention programs to minimize these gender differences and increase physical activity and minimize diabetes impairment among women."

Keywords: Physical Activity, Diabetes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.