Physical activity counseling in Primary Health Care

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and examine the correlates of physical activity counseling by primary health care professionals in Florianopolis, state of Santa Catarina. A face-face survey was carried out with 587 professionals from 49 Health Centers. Physical activity counseling was evaluated in the last 12 months. The correlates explored in the association were sociodemographic, training and professional performance, knowledge of physical activity recommendations and physical activity level. The prevalence of physical activity counseling was 86.2% (95%CI=83.2-88.8%). The professionals most likely to provide counseling were those with graduate degrees in Public Health (OR=3.71; 95%CI: 1.69-9.37), who had academic experiences in primary health care (OR=2.68; 95%CI: 1.32-5.92), who belonged to the Family Health Support Center (OR=4.52; 95%CI: 1.31-28.50), who participated in meetings of physical activity (OR=1.91; 95%CI: 1.08-3.44) and were physically active (OR=1.80; 95%CI: 1.01-3.27). The results show that aspects of training and professional performance and the physical activity level of professionals contribute positively to counseling for physical activity in primary health care.

Barriers to physical activity among adults in primary healthcare units in the National Health System: a cross-sectional study in Brazil

“…In this manner, the relevance of counseling in the process of behavioral change is strengthened. [11][12][13] The positive association between counseling and the barrier of "having an injury or disease" may be explained by studies that have shown that there is a higher probability that older adults and those with chronic disease are the ones receiving counseling. 20,33 The number of barriers was associated with the prevalence of < 150 minutes per week of walking and total LTPA.…”

“…This measurement had previously been used in similar studies and was adapted to the local context. 13 , 15 , 18 , 20…”

“…11,12 Counseling is a form of orientation based on information, understanding and support that has the aim of facilitating incorporation of new attitudes as behavioral change towards health self-care, such as better dietary habits and smoking cessation, among others. [13][14][15] This is an effective and low-cost initiative for promoting LTPA within primary healthcare, 11,12 and it has also been recognized as a health education action that has the potential to develop individuals' autonomy to face health-related behavioral change, such as increased active commuting and reduction of sedentary behavior. 16,17 Although the main barriers to LTPA in the Brazilian population are presented in the literature, few studies have explored them in relation to primary care unit users.…”

Sedentary Behavior Counseling Received from Healthcare Professionals: An Exploratory Analysis in Adults at Primary Health Care in Brazil

“…These reasons, among others, could result in different perceptions by users about what was advised. For example, users may not understand healthcare professionals’ guidance as an orientation but merely as an informal recommendation without a technical basis [ 16 , 29 ]. Also, professionals may have doubts or no knowledge about SB [ 42 ].…”

“…SB counseling was assessed based on the dichotomous answer (no, yes) to the question: “ During the last 12 months, once you were at a BHU, did you receive counseling to reduce your SB (advice, tips, or guidance on sitting time to change/improve your health)?”. This measure was used in similar studies to assess PA counseling [ 22 , 25 , 27 , 29 ].…”