Knowledge of pediatricians regarding physical activity in childhood and adolescence

• Published in: Revista Paulista de Pediatria Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 400 - 406
• Main Authors: Gordia, Alex Pinheiro, de Quadros, Teresa Maria Bianchini, Silva, Luciana Rodrigues, dos Santos, Gilton Marques
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Brazil Sociedade de Pediatria de São Paulo 01-12-2015
• Subjects: Adolescent; Atividade motora; Clinical Competence; Cross-Sectional Studies; Educação médica; Exercise; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Surveys; Humans; Internship and Residency; Obesidade pediátrica; Original; Pediatricians; Promoção da saúde; Sedentary Behavior; Time Factors; Atividade motora; Education medical; Educação médica; Health promotion; Motor activity; Pediatric obesity; Obesidade pediátrica; Promoção da saúde
• ISSN: 0103-0582; 1984-0462; 1984-0462
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rpped.2015.02.001

To investigate the knowledge and guidance given by pediatricians regarding physical activity in childhood and adolescence.
A cross-sectional study involving a convenience sample of pediatricians (n=210) who participated in a national pediatrics congress in 2013. Sociodemographic and professional data and data regarding habitual physical activity and pediatricians' knowledge and instructions for young people regarding physical activity were collected using a questionnaire. Absolute and relative frequencies and means and standard deviations were calculated.
Most pediatricians were females, had graduated from medical school more than 15 years ago, and had residency in pediatrics. More than 70% of the participants reported to include physical activity guidance in their prescriptions. On the other hand, approximately two-thirds of the pediatricians incorrectly reported that children should not work out and less than 15% answered the question about physical activity barriers correctly. With respect to the two questions about physical activity to tackle obesity, incorrect answers were marked by more than 50% of the pediatricians. Most participants incorrectly reported that 30 minutes should be the minimum daily time of physical activity in young people. Less than 40% of the pediatricians correctly indicated the maximum time young people should spend in front of a screen.
In general, the pediatricians reported that they recommend physical activity to their young patients, but specific knowledge of this topic was limited. Programs providing adequate information are needed.