Impact of regular physical activity awareness sessions by primary care physicians in rural India

Abstract

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Regular physical activity is associated with improved physical and mental health. Studies have shown that regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, depression and obesity. Patients frequently identify their family physicians as an important source of constant encouragement for physical activity. Purpose We wanted to assess the impact of regular awareness sessions about physical activity by Primary care physicians in adults.  Methods 73 participants between the age group 30 to 60 years were recruited in this single center study in rural India.70 participants completed this 6 month intervention study whereas 3 participants dropped out of study. Once in a month audio visual awareness session of one hour were conducted from August 2017 to January 2018 by primary care physicians to educate the participants about ill effects of sedentary lifestyle and benefits of regular physical activity. Pre and post intervention data were collected by using validated Godin leisure time exercise questionnaire from all 70 participants. Paired t test and Wilcoxon test were used to compare pre- and post-intervention data. Percentage increase in physical activity score was also calculated. Results In this study baseline Godin score pre intervention were 38.82 ± 12.22 (Mean ± SD) and post intervention were 65.98 ± 11.25 (Mean ± SD). Participants significantly improved Godin score post intervention which were statistically significant (p: < 0.001) . Compared to baseline pre intervention score, there was 170% increase in physical activity score post intervention. Conclusions Results of this intervention suggest that regular awareness sessions using modern technology is cost effective in changing physical activity behavior in people. Active involvement of primary care physician in this intervention will further help in establishing and continuing physical activity behavior. Physicians can play a major role in promotion of physical activity. As primary care physicians have direct regular contact with their patients and their families, their role in promotion of physical activity will have more impact and long-lasting effect on patient’s behavior. We assume that similar studies are needed to promote physical activity in the people.