General practitioner advice on physical activity : who gets it?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of patients who received physical activity counseling from a general practitioner. METHODS: Data presented are from a cross-sectional survey of approximately 2000 Queensland (Australia) adults conducted as part of a multi-strategy, community-based, physical activity intervention (10,000 Steps Rockhampton). The survey included self-reported receipt of general practitioner advice on physical activity as well as demographic, medical, and physical activity questions. RESULTS: Receipt of advice on physical activity was reported by 24.2% of respondents, with advice more likely to be given to males, overweight/obese people, those with chronic conditions, and those more frequently visiting their general practitioners. DISCUSSION: Rates of physical activity advice and characteristics of patients receiving advice are similar to those reported overseas and suggest that while there is room for improvement, general practitioners are targeting their advice to patients most in need.