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) phy sicians in promotion of such a healthy habit was not previously studie d 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 a pproached 99%. About 55% of physicians were not properly exercising. H ealth education was satisfactorily practiced by only 24% of physicians . The better the physical activity of the physicians, the better was t heir health education activity (P<0.023). Conclusion: Promotion of reg ular physical activity among PHC physicians is probably a pre-requisit e for promoting the habit in the community.