Targeting physical activity promotion in general practice: Characteristics of inactive patients and willingness to change

• Main Authors: Sánchez-Pinilla Ricardo (Author), Torcal Jesús (Author), Sánchez Alvaro (Author), Grandes Gonzalo (Author), Lizarraga Kepa (Author), Serra Javier (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2008-05-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1186/1471-2458-8-172; 1471-2458
• Keywords: Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: BMC Public Health, Vol 8, Iss 1, p 172 (2008)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Counselling in routine general practice to promote physical activity (PA) is advocated, but inadequate evidence is available to support this intervention, and its sustainable implementation over time is difficult.</p> <p>Objectives</p> <p>To describe the characteristics of physically inactive adults visiting GPs and the factors associated with their willingness to change PA.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional analysis of 4317 Spanish people aged 20-80 years, selected by systematic sampling among those attending 56 public primary health care practices identified as inactive by their GPs in 2003. PA (7-day PAR), PA stage of change, health-related quality of life (SF-36), cardiovascular risk factors, and social and demographic characteristics were measured. Multivariate mixed effects ordinal logistic models were adjusted to identify factors associated with motivational readiness to change.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>At least 70% (95% CI: 67.6% to 72.8%) of patients assessed by GPs did not achieve minimal PA recommendations. In addition, 85% (95% CI: 83% to 86.3%) had at least an additional cardiovascular risk factor. Only 30% (95% CI: 25.8% to 33.5%) were prepared for or attempting a change. A younger age; retirement or work at home; higher education and social class levels; obesity; and hypertension were associated with a higher motivational readiness to change (p < 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The overburden that would result from counselling such a high proportion of inactive primary care patients justifies a targeted strategy for PA promotion in family practice. Selection of a target population based on readiness to change, the combination of risk factors and socio-demographic characteristics of patients is suggested in order to prioritise promotion efforts.</p>