Physical activity advice in the primary care setting: results of a population study in New Zealand.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of physical activity advice, including the Green Prescription (a physical activity scripting scheme), given in the primary care setting, and the characteristics of New Zealanders who receive such advice.


METHODS
Questions from a 2003 national postal survey (n = 8,291), 'Obstacles to Action', were examined. The survey was designed to identify population segments to target for physical activity interventions. Binary logistic regression was used to examine independent factors associated with receiving a physician or practice nurse recommendation to increase physical activity and receiving a Green Prescription.


RESULTS
Overall, 13.3% of the sample reported receiving physical activity advice while 3.0% reported receiving a Green Prescription from their general practitioner or practice nurse in the last year. Those more likely to receive physical activity advice were Maori or Pacific, overweight or obese, sedentary, or suffering chronic disease. Results were similar for Green Prescription advice. When controlling for these and other demographics, physical inactivity was not related to the odds of receiving a Green Prescription.


CONCLUSIONS
One out of every eight New Zealanders reported being given general physical activity advice in the primary care setting. While the physically inactive but otherwise healthy were not specifically targeted, the Green Prescription was more likely to be given on the basis of existing chronic conditions related to physical inactivity and other high-risk populations.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary care settings provide an important opportunity to promote physical activity for New Zealand adults. While those most at risk are more likely to receive such advice, there are many more that may benefit.
Croteau
Karen
K
Department of Sports Medicine, College of Nursing and Health Professions, University of Southern Maine, 35 College Avenue, Gorham, ME 04038, USA. kcroteau@usm.maine.edu
Schofield
Grant
G
McLean
Grant
G
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009520:New Zealand; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors