P-60 Physical activity and insomnia severity in adults with type 2 diabetes in Trinidad: a sequential mixed-methods study protocol
Author(s):
K Dharamraj, M Adje,
Year of Presentation:
2026
Objective: To examine the association between physical
activity (PA) characteristics (frequency, intensity, duration, and type) and insomnia severity among adults living
with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in Trinidad and Tobago
(TT), as measured using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI),
addressing a key evidence gap in Caribbean primary care. It
is hypothesized that higher levels of physical activity will be
associated with lower insomnia severity.
Methods: This protocol describes an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study. Phase 1 comprises a cross-sectional survey of 315 adults aged 30–65 years with T2D attending South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) diabetes clinics. Data will be collected using a socio-clinical questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–LongForm (IPAQ-LF), and the ISI, and analysed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and multivariable regression. Phase 2 involves purposive semi-structured interviews exploring experiences of PA, sleep, and diabetes care, analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings will be integrated through triangulation and joint displays, with qualitative reporting guided by established standards.
Results: This study has produced a fully developed, ethically grounded mixed-methods research protocol. Core quantitative and qualitative instruments have been selected, adapted, and aligned with international reporting standards (STROBE and COREQ). Pilot testing procedures have been designed to assess feasibility, clarity of instruments, recruitment processes, and data-collection workflows within SWRHA primary-care clinics. Ethical approval is under review, and pilot data collection is scheduled to commence following approval.
Conclusion: This protocol establishes a feasible and ethically robust framework for future implementation and will generate context-specific evidence to inform SWRHA and Ministry of Health primary-care service planning and the integration of PA and sleep management into routine T2D care in Trinidad and Tobago.