Table 3 PA knowledge and perception of medical curriculum, future role modelling and PA counselling for PA groups
PA category | χ2 | df | p | ||
Variable | Low-Mod | High | |||
Knowledge of key PA messages | Correct, n (%) | Correct, n (%) | |||
Taking the stairs and being generally active is good for health | 47 (100.0) | 60 (100.0) | – | – | – |
Half an hour of brisk walking most days is sufficient for good health | 25 (53.2) | 37 (61.7) | .47 | 1 | .49 |
To be effective, exercise must be done at a vigorous intensity (reversed) | 40 (85.1) | 46 (76.7) | .72 | 1 | .40 |
Exercise that is good for you must make you puff and pant (reversed) | 37 (78.7) | 38 (63.3) | 2.29 | 1 | .13 |
Several short walks of 10 min on most days are better than one round of golf a week | 31 (66.0) | 44 (73.3) | .38 | 1 | .54 |
Knowledge of PA guidelines | mean (SD) | mean (SD) | t | df | p |
Knowledge of national PA guidelines | 3.2 (1.0) | 4.0 (0.8) | -4.35 | 90 | < .001 |
Medical training PA | |||||
During my lectures/seminars in my current medical degree I have received extensive teaching about the benefits of PA for health | 3.7 (0.9) | 3.5 (1.0) | 1.19 | 105 | .24 |
During my lectures/seminars in my current medical degree I have received teaching on PA counselling | 3.4 (0.9) | 3.1 (1.0) | 1.34 | 105 | .18 |
I am happy with my medical school training in PA counselling (for example, training in talking to patients about PA) | 2.6 (0.9) | 2.4 (0.9) | .82 | 105 | .41 |
Confidence providing PA counselling | |||||
At this stage of my medical degree, I am confident in counselling patients on PA | 2.6 (0.8) | 3.0 (1.1) | -1.90 | 105 | .06 |
In the future, I will feel confident in giving general advice to my patients on increasing their PA | 3.6 (0.9) | 3.6 (0.9) | -.46 | 105 | .65 |
In the future, I will feel confident in providing specific advice to my patients about increasing their PA | 3.0 (0.9) | 3.1 (1.1) | -.70 | 105 | .49 |
Importance of role modelling PA | |||||
Good PA habits of the general practitioner can encourage their patients to be active | 3.9 (0.8) | 4.2 (0.8) | -1.66 | 105 | .10 |
In order to effectively encourage patient adherence to an active lifestyle, a GP must adhere to one himself or herself | 3.7 (1.0) | 3.8 (1.0) | -.70 | 105 | .48 |
Role of GPs in PA promoting practice | |||||
Discussing the benefits of PA is a part of the role of a GP | 4.7 (0.5) | 4.8 (0.5) | -1.06 | 105 | .29 |
Suggesting ways for people to increase their PA is an important part of the role of a GP | 4.5 (0.6) | 4.7 (0.5) | -1.61 | 105 | .11 |