Factors associated with the delivery of specific physical activity advice to patients with non-communicable diseases by primary care physicians in Klang Valley, Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Specific physical activity advice delivered to patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) improves physical activity levels and health outcomes. This study aimed to develop a physical activity advice tool and determine the physical activity level of primary care physicians, prevalence of physical activity advice delivered to patients and its associated factors.

METHODS: During phase 1 of the study, a valid and reliable tool was developed to assess physical activity advice delivered by primary care physicians. Phase 2 was a cross-sectional study conducted at 12 primary care clinics using an online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity level (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire) and physical activity advice delivered. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with specific physical activity advice delivered.

RESULTS: More than half of the primary care physicians (53.7%) were physically inactive. Most (79.3%) delivered specific physical activity advice to their patients. The primary care physicians who were women (odds ratio [OR]=4.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.78, 11.56), possessed postgraduate qualifications (OR=6.72, 95% CI=1.48, 30.51), received formal training in physical activity advice (OR=2.79, 95% CI=1.01, 7.79) and were physically active (OR=2.67, 95% CI=1.17, 6.10) were more likely to deliver specific physical activity advice.

CONCLUSION: Primary care physicians should be encouraged to pursue postgraduate studies, be given training in how to deliver physical activity advice and be physically active to be able to deliver specific physical activity advice to patients seen in NCD clinics.