Promotion of physical exercise by primary health care physicians in Riyadh city

Background: The major health benefits of aerobic exercise need not be overemphasized. However, the activity of primary health care (PHC) physicians in promotion of such a healthy habit was not previously studied in KSA. Objectives: The aim was to explore the activity of male PHC physicians in promotion of aerobic exercise. Methods: About 50% of the male PHC physicians in Riyadh city were selected at random and asked to fill a self-adminisered questionnaire. Results: The response rate approached 99%. About 55% of physicians were not properly exercising. Health education was satisfactorily practiced by only 24% of physicians. The better the physical activity of the physicians, the better was their health education activity (P<0.023). Conclusion: Promotion of regular physical activity among PHC physicians is probably a pre-requisite for promoting the habit in the community.