Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers of physicians in promoting physical activity in Urban Odisha, India.

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases and poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems. Regular physical activity (PA) is crucial for health, and physicians play a key role in motivating patients to adopt an active lifestyle. However, they have been criticized for not adequately discussing, counselling, or prescribing exercise. Physicians are expected to possess skills in 'exercise prescription' akin to 'drug prescription.' This study explores healthcare physicians' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers (KAPPB) regarding promoting PA. Data were collected through an anonymous, self-reported questionnaire from physicians to assess their KAPPB on promoting PA. Association with the years of experience, qualification, work setting, gender, personal health status, and so on were evaluated using Chi-square test in SPSS 20.0v. A total of 102 physicians responded. 29.4% rated their knowledge of PA promotion as 'adequate', while 81.4% indicated the need for further training on PA recommendations. Despite recommending exercise, only 7.8% provided written PA prescriptions. Physicians' experience, practice setting, and personal exercise habits were associated with more effective PA counseling. Physicians generally have limited knowledge about PA recommendations and may require additional training to improve their understanding and ability to prescribe various forms of physical activity.