Physical Activity among Primary Health Care Physicians and Its Impact on Counseling Practices

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Physical inactivity has been linked to various noncommunicable diseases and their related health problems. As primary health care physicians (PHCPs) play a crucial role in promoting health and preventing disease, this study aims to determine the extent of physical inactivity among PHCPs and its impact on their counseling practices. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A cross-sectional study was conducted across all primary health care centers in Qatar, targeting 511 physicians. A modified self-administered WHO stepwise tool was used to measure physical activity (PA) with another questionnaire to assess the counseling practices among PHCPs. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Out of 511 physicians, 306 (59.9%) responded to the survey. The majority of the participants were male (58.1%) with an average age of 45.8 ± 7.9 years. The majority of PHCPs were from the UK (44.3%), while only 4.1% were Qatari. Family physician consultants made up 51% of the respondents, while 30.2% were general practitioners, and the average years of experience were 14 ± 8.3 years. Only 39.5% of the respondents met the WHO PA recommendations. 50.5% of the physicians were overweight, and 23.1% were obese. The median percentage of patients counseled about PA was only 60 [IQR: 40–80]%, and there was no link found between a physician’s PA level and the percentage of patients they counseled on the subject. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Physicians reported a high prevalence of physical inactivity. Furthermore, the practice of counseling the public on PA was low. Interventions are needed inside and outside the workplace to improve the PA among PHCPs and their counseling practices.

Implementation determinants of physical activity interventions in primary health care settings using the TICD framework: a systematic review

“…From the 62 articles included, 48.4% ( n = 30) employed a qualitative design [ 43 , 46 , 48 , 49 , 54 , 55 , 58 , 60 , 62 , 65 , 67 , 68 , 71 , 76 – 80 , 83 , 84 , 87 – 89 , 92 – 97 , 99 ], 37.1% ( n = 23) a quantitative design [ 42 , 44 , 45 , 52 , 53 , 57 , 61 , 63 , 64 , 66 , 69 , 72 – 75 , 81 , 82 , 85 , 91 , 98 , 100 – 102 ], and 14.5% ( n = 9) a mixed-methods study design [ 47 , 50 , 51 , 56 , 59 , 70 , 86 , 90 , 103 ]. The majority of the studies (87.1%) were conducted in high income countries (United Kingdom, n = 15; Canada, n = 9; USA, n = 7; other countries, n = 23), while only 12.9% were conducted in upper middle income countries (Brazil, n = 4; Thailand, n = 2; Jordan, n = 1; Turkey, n = 1), according to the categorization of the World Bank [ 104 ].…”

Degree of Knowledge and Commitment of the Spanish Podiatry Community to Green Podiatry: A Preliminary Report

“…In the western region of Saudi Arabia, another study indicated that 65% of physicians were classified as physically inactive, with only 35% reporting engagement in any sportsrelated activity [11]. These findings underscore the importance of addressing the issue of physical activity within the medical community [12].…”

“…Regarding the fact that the majority of surveyed podiatrists prioritize exercise as the primary treatment, no changes would be recommended, as they are acting correctly in this regard. It has been demonstrated that physicians who engage in physical activity and dedicate at least 3 min per visit to providing exercise advice achieved a 25% adherence rate among their patients to these recommendations [ 12 ]. This finding reinforces the notion that physicians who do not adopt healthy behaviors are less likely to advise their patients on healthy lifestyle habits.…”

Physical Activity Knowledge and Personal Habits with Recommendations for Patients: Self-Assessment by Primary Care Physicians

“…However, one of the most important predictors of PCPs providing health promotion counseling is PCPs’ own health and active behaviors, as it is difficult to encourage behaviors that one does not engage in [ 13 ], even though a considerable number of studies analyze the health-promoting PA or inactivity of various social groups in the context of their weight or BP [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Unfortunately, there is not much scientific research on PCPs’ BP or BMI and their PA [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ], and even fewer studies have examined the relationship between PCPs’ PA and health indicators [ 24 ].…”