Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is a serious public health issue among Aboriginal populations. Physical activity is a key behavioural strategy for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. The aims of this study were to: (1) examine the perceived meaning of physical activity amongst Aboriginals with type 2 diabetes; (2) assess physical activity behaviour levels amongst this population; and (3) examine the association of key Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs with physical activity behaviour. Thirty-four Alberta Aboriginals with type 2 diabetes completed a survey comprised of questions related to the three research aims. A key emerging theme from the first aim revealed that leisure-time physical activity is largely perceived to be only for youth. Based on reported energy expenditure estimates, 64.5% were sedentary. Correlational analyses for the third research aim revealed that no SCT constructs were significantly associated with energy expenditure estimates. Implications of these findings are provided along with identification of the lessons learned and the process involved with this form of research with this population.