Determinants of adherence to prescribed exercise programs of middle-aged men in Gayaza, Wakiso District.

Abstract

This study was aimed at investigating the determinants of adherence to prescribed exercise programs among middle-aged men and was carried out from 3 gyms within Gayaza, Wakiso district. Descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed and up to 50 participants were attained by purposive sampling of clients found in these gyms at the time when the study was carried out. The participants were interviewed by the researcher following a research questionnaire that was designed by the researcher with help from his research supervisor. After the data was collected, it was analyzed using Microsoft excel, Chi-square test as well as percentage response and findings presented in narrative and in tables. The study established that 67.5% of the middle-aged that were approached met the criterion of having taken part in a prescribed exercise program within the 12 months that came before their date of interview. It also established that the most commonly reported reasons for enrollment to prescribed exercise programs included; weight management and management of chronic illnesses. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the participants dropped out of their exercise programs before 6 months of commitment. Inadequate follow-up on participants’ progress coupled with low social support rendered and the effects of substance abuse were the most highly rated negative determinants of their commitment to prescribed exercise programs.