Assessment of Physical Activity Counselling Practices Among Primary Healthcare Workers in Sokoto State

Physical activity counselling at primary healthcare level represents a cost-effective strategy for population-wide chronic disease prevention, yet the competency and practice of Nigerian primary healthcare workers in delivering this intervention is largely unexamined. This study assesses physical activity counselling knowledge, skills, and practices among primary healthcare workers in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive analytical survey was conducted among 200 community health officers, community health extension workers, and primary health care nurses from 30 primary health care facilities across six local government areas. A validated instrument assessing physical activity counselling knowledge, self-efficacy, actual counselling behaviour, and perceived barriers was administered alongside structured vignette-based skill assessments. Findings indicate that basic knowledge of physical activity health benefits is adequate among 72 percent of respondents, but knowledge of specific activity recommendations, contraindications, and brief counselling techniques is substantially lower, with fewer than 35 percent demonstrating competence on structured skill vignettes. Actual counselling frequency is low, with only 22 percent of respondents routinely incorporating physical activity assessment and advice into patient consultations. Time constraints, patient low literacy, and inadequate training are the primary barriers identified. Recommendations include integrating physical activity counselling competencies into primary health care pre-service and in-service training, developing culturally adapted physical activity counselling protocols for Nigerian primary care settings, and establishing monitoring indicators for physical activity counselling within the primary health care system. Keywords: physical activity counselling, primary healthcare workers, Sokoto State, chronic disease prevention, competency