Year: 2004
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Physical activity is clearly beneficial in preventing and treating several common diseases. Health care services reach also persons who are physically passive, i.e., those who would benefit most from physical activity. This study examines counselling on physical activity given by physicians as well as popular appreciation of and need for counselling on physical activity. Material and methods The research data on the opinions of both physicians and patients were collected in the spring of 2002. A survey was addressed to all physicians. A representative population sample was selected by stratified random sampling as a part of the FINRISK 2002 study. Results Of the participating physicians, 64% inquired about the physical activity habits of a minimum of one third of their patients. Differences in counselling on physical activity were found with respect to professional domains, gender, age and, partially, the five university hospital districts in Finland. Occupational health physicians inquired about physical activity habits more often than other physicians. Women were more active than men. Inquiries about physical activity habits increased with age and experience of the physician. It was fairly rare to give counselling on physical activity in writing. Of the population, 50% reported that they had received sufficient information from their physicians on the importance of physical activity. Of the respondents, 75% were in favour of physicians having the option of prescribing physical activity. Conclusions There is clear popular support and need for counselling on physical activity. Counselling and motivation of physical activity should be used more in health care.
Language: Finnish
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2252346701