Physical Activity Counselling Practices Among Family Medicine Practitioners in Delta State: An Empirical Study

Background: Physical activity counselling delivered by primary care physicians has documented efficacy in increasing patient physical activity levels, yet its implementation in Nigerian family medicine practice is not well empirically characterised. This study assesses physical activity counselling practices and their determinants among family medicine practitioners in Delta State, South South geopolitical zone. Methods: A cross-sectional census of 110 family medicine practitioners in Delta State was conducted using a validated physical activity counselling questionnaire derived from the 5As framework. Self-reported counselling behaviour, enablers, and barriers were assessed. Logistic regression identified independent predictors of regular counselling. Results: Fewer than half of respondents reported consistently providing structured physical activity counselling. Lack of time, limited patient motivation, and absence of institutional protocols were the dominant barriers. Practitioners with postgraduate qualifications and those who were personally physically active were more likely to provide counselling. Conclusion: Physical activity counselling is underperformed in family medicine practice in Delta State. Standardised brief physical activity counselling protocols integrated into electronic consultation records, alongside practitioner wellness programmes, would facilitate more consistent delivery. Keywords: physical activity counselling, family medicine, Delta State, prevention, 5As framework