Barriers to Health Behavior Change in People with Type 2 Diabetes: Survey Study

Structured Abstract BACKGROUNDDiabetes mellitus DM (type 2) is one of the major chronic disease that creates burden at the population level. A prevalence of 422 million patients with diabetes worldwide is detected 1. UAE population has an increased prevalence of DM; According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 17.3% of the UAE population between the ages of 20 and 79 have type 2 diabetes in 2017 2. UAE has been suffering with the health problems that result from obesity and sedentary lifestyle. The purpose of this study is to understand barriers to health behavior among community patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. METHODS: This is a qualitative survey study of 123 adult individuals with type 2 diabetes who are above 18 years old, who participated in a survey that explore their perception about barriers to health behavior change. The survey was distributed online and in 6 health care centers under ministry of health and prevention in the United Arab Emirates. RESULTS: This study finds that the top barrier for behavior change is difficulty to follow healthy schedule (19.4%), workplace condition and timing (14.3%), and laziness (13%). The least barrier was lack of knowledge about healthier behaviors (5.3%). The best way to motivate behavior change was doctor’s advice during regular visit (26.3%), joining support group (18.4%), and receiving electronic tips and reminders on smartphones (15%) CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this study can aid directly in community programs design and implementation, health education campaigns, and health policies. The findings of this study help in understanding real barriers to initiating and sustaining positive health behavior.