Fourteenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

This study assesses the changes in the frequency of physical activity (PA) counseling and in the predictors of primary care PA promotion in Québec PCPs between 2010 and 2020. In 2010, we conducted a survey among Québec PCPs. Questions included: frequency of promoting PA to patients, perceived barriers, needs to improve PA promotion practice, frequency of PCPs’ PA practice, and sociodemographic information. In 2020, we took over the 2010 questionnaire to document the evolution of the PA promotion practice. The proportion of PCPs discussing PA with their patients significantly increased (P <0.05) in 2020 for the following health conditions: depression, low back pain, COPD, and cancer; it declined (P <0.05) for overweight patients, those with metabolic syndrome, and in primary prevention. Collaboration with PA professionals was the major need identified, and it increased in 2020. PCPs’ own practice of PA was a predictor of PA promotion in 2010 and in 2020. In both 2010 and in 2020, older or more experienced PCPs had greater odds to discuss PA with their patients without diagnosed diseases than younger ones or those with less experience. Over the last 10 years, there has been a significant increase in PCPs promoting PA in Quebec, however, it has been mainly oriented towards secondary prevention. It is concerning that PA counselling in primary prevention has declined, notably among younger PCPs. The stronger claim for closer collaboration with kinesiologists suggests that PCPs are in favor of an interprofessional strategy, namely with PA specialists.