Assessment of Physical Activity Levels in Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus and/or chronic kidney disease in Saudi Arabia

Proceedings of the 2nd Global Conference on Aging and Gerontology

Year: 2025

DOI:

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Assessment of Physical Activity Levels in Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus and/or chronic kidney disease in Saudi Arabia

Lamya Alrashidi, Gillian Prue, Iseult Wilson

ABSTRACT:

Background
This study is the first to investigate physical activity levels among older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Saudi Arabia. While globally, older and sicker individuals are expected to engage in lower physical activity, understanding the region-specific factors influencing participation is crucial. These insights can guide the development of targeted interventions and policies to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes in this high-risk population.
Aim
This study aims to assess physical activity levels among older adults with DM and/or CKD in the Ha’il region and explore the impact of individual factors such as age, gender, education, income, and disease duration on their physical activity.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 256 participants aged 65 years and above, recruited from the Diabetic and Endocrine Centre and the Nephrology Clinic at King Salman Specialist Hospital in Ha’il. Data were collected using the Arabic version of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE-A) through an online survey distributed via QR codes, posters, and brochures. Participants’ physical activity levels were assessed across leisure, household, and occupational domains, providing a comprehensive understanding of their activity patterns. Data analysis involved statistical methods including Kruskal-Wallis and Generalized Linear Model (GLM) regression to explore associations between demographic factors and physical activity levels.

Results
The findings revealed that overall physical activity levels were low among participants, with a mean PASE score of 30.62. Age was a significant factor, with older participants (80+ years) exhibiting the lowest activity levels. Higher education was associated with increased physical activity, while individuals with CKD were less active than those with DM. Longer disease duration correlated with reduced activity levels; higher household income was linked to greater physical activity. Household activities constituted the most common form of physical engagement, while participation in leisure and strenuous activities was minimal.
Conclusion
This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to encourage physical activity among older adults with DM and/or CKD, considering individual factors such as age, education, and disease type. Tailored health promotion strategies can play a key role in improving physical activity levels, which may contribute to better management of chronic illnesses and enhance the quality of life in this population.

keywords: Physical activity, older adults, DM, CKD