Knowledge and Education on Physical Activity Health Benefits and Prescription Principles Among Greek Medical Students

TL;DR

Greek medical students generally know about the health benefits of physical activity but lack sufficient education to effectively prescribe it.

Contribution

The study reveals a gap in formal education on physical activity among Greek medical students despite widespread awareness of its benefits.

Findings

Most students were taught about PA benefits but only 25.2% knew WHO and KESY recommendations.

Students with PA education were more likely to address exercise physiology and cardiopulmonary testing.

81.5% of students expressed the need for more education on physical activity and its health role.

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is widely recognized as a therapeutic intervention for numerous non-communicable diseases. This study assessed Greek medical students’ knowledge and education on PA across seven medical schools. A structured questionnaire was distributed electronically to all medical schools across Greece, with 135 students responding (67.4% female). Among respondents, 78.5% reported being taught about PA benefits, and 77.8% felt prepared to discuss them with patients. However, 30.2% had received less than two hours of formal PA education. Only 25.2% were aware of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Greek Central Board of Health (KESY) recommendations, while 81.5% expressed the need for additional education on PA and its role in health. Students who were taught about PA were more likely to address exercise physiology (42.5% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.013, OR = 16.4), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (52.8% vs. 24.1%; p = 0.006, OR = 3.5), and PA benefits (89.6% vs. 34.5%; p < 0.001, OR = 3.5). Although most medical students have been taught about PA’s health benefits, only a small proportion have sufficient knowledge for effective prescription.

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