Understanding the physical activity promotion behaviours of podiatrists: a qualitative study

What factors are associated with physical activity promotion in the podiatry setting? A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the status of and identify factors associated with physical activity promotion by podiatrists.

DESIGN

Cross sectional survey.

METHOD

In 2016-17 Australian podiatrists were invited to complete an online survey. Items assessed by Likert scale included; frequency of assessing and promoting physical activity and podiatrists' intentions, attitudes, social norms, confidence, barriers, role beliefs and perceived knowledge and skills regarding the promotion of physical activity. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

Of 316 respondents, 62% reported always/or often giving general and 39% specific physical activity advice. Attitudes to physical activity promotion were mostly positive and 83% agreed it was part of their role. Many believed they have the knowledge 62%) and skills to promote physical activity. Most podiatrists were confident to carry out basic physical activity promotion activities (83%), but fewer were confident assessing physical activity levels (54%), providing specific advice (47%), monitoring patient physical activity levels (49%) and carrying out physical activity counselling (41%). Modelling revealed intention to promote physical activity was most strongly influenced by experiential beliefs (β=0.35, 95%CI 0.20-0.51) and instrumental beliefs (β=0.27, 95%CI 0.15-0.40), whereas physical activity promotion was influenced by intention (β=0.45, 95%CI 0.35-0.55) and behavioural control (β=0.43, 95%CI 0.33-0.53).

CONCLUSION

Physical activity promotion is feasible and regularly practiced in the podiatry setting, however current practice appears suboptimal. Attitudes and behavioural control appear influential in engagement and deserve consideration when designing strategies to improve delivery in podiatric practice.

The connection between the primary care and the physical activity sector: professionals' perceptions

BACKGROUND

To stimulate physical activity (PA) and guide primary care patients towards local PA facilities, Care Sport Connectors (CSC), to whom a broker role has been ascribed, were introduced in 2012 in the Netherlands. The aim of this study is to assess perceptions of primary care, welfare, and sport professionals towards the CSC role and the connection between the primary care and the PA sector.

METHODS

Nine focus groups were held with primary care, welfare and sport professionals within the CSC network. In these focus groups the CSC role and the connection between the sectors were discussed. Both top-down and bottom-up codes were used to analyse the focus groups.

RESULTS

Professionals ascribed three roles to the CSC: 1) broker role, 2) referral, 3) facilitator. Professionals were enthusiastic about how the current connection was established. However, barriers relating to their own sector were currently hindering the connection: primary care professionals' lack of time, money and knowledge, and the lack of suitable PA activities and instructors for the target group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides further insight into the CSC role and the connection between the sectors from the point of view of primary care, welfare, and sport professionals. Professionals found the CSC role promising, but barriers are currently hindering the collaboration between both sectors. More time for the CSC and changes in the way the primary care and PA sector are organized seem to be necessary to overcome the identified barriers and to make a success of the connection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Dutch Trial register NTR4986 . Registered 14 December 2014.