Perceived Motivators And Barriers To Facilitate Exercise Among Primary Care Clinic Patients

PURPOSE: To determine what patients’ needs are to facilitate regular exercise, including what they look for from their healthcare providers as well as their barriers and motivators to exercise. These are essential in implementing an effective intervention. METHODS: 371 patients (>18 years) at four local primary care outpatient clinics completed an online anonymous survey consisting of 24 questions including demographics, medical conditions, IPAQ-short form, questions about exercise education by healthcare providers, and barriers and motivators to regular exercise. 268 complete responses were categorized into with chronic disease conditions (CC; n = 88) and without chronic disease conditions (NCC; n = 180) to compare how the needs and barriers to exercise differ. RESULTS: Survey respondents were mostly female (65%), Caucasian (92%), and with postsecondary education (86%). The most common perceived barriers to exercise were low motivation, low energy, and it takes too long. The most common perceived motivators to exercise were having a support system, planning and preparing for exercising in advance, having a partner to exercise with, tracking progress, and positive verbal affirmations. Most in both groups (98%) agreed exercise will improve their health. While the amount of physical activity and sitting hours were similar between groups, fewer CC (53%) believed they participated in a healthy amount of exercise than NCC (67%, p = .007). CC also believed their medical conditions made it hard to exercise (40% CC vs. 15% of NCC, p < .001). More in CC (82%) reported that exercise education provided by the healthcare providers was helpful, compared to NCC (71%, p = .017). Most (92%) who received exercise education from their providers considered that the information was helpful, particularly when it was given verbally. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest the implementation of social support is sought out in both groups. Particularly among CC, they value the involvement of their healthcare provider in the planning and engagement in exercise.