Barriers to physical activity counseling in primary health care: identifying gaps in training and implementation

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is a key factor in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases. Despite the proven effectiveness of various PA interventions, their implementation in real-world settings remains suboptimal. Numerous barriers hinder effective PA counseling, potentially preventing patients in PHC settings from achieving adequate levels of physical activity. The identified barriers include lack of time, insufficient knowledge, inadequate training in PA counseling, and lack of confidence among healthcare professionals. These challenges highlight a training gap in primary healthcare education. A systematic literaturę review was conducted, focusing on studies published between 2018 and 2024, with a particular emphasis on systematic reviews. Primary Health Care (PHC) provides an appropriate environment for PA counseling, as a significant portion of the population has regular contact with family physicians. Understanding the barriers to promoting PA at the PHC level is a crucial first step toward their elimination, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes not only for individuals but also for the broader population.

Keywords: GP; attitudes; knowledge; primary care; skills; physical activity.