Physical Activity Habits Among Physicians: Data From the Athens Medical Association

Background: Physicians' exercise habits vary across different medical specialties and health service infrastructure. We assessed physicians' exercise performance according to the recommendations of the 2020 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines.

Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 742 physicians of the Athens Medical Association (AMA), Greece. Utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, physicians' exercise habits, demographics, specialty, and infrastructure [Hellenic National Health care System (HNHS) or Private System (PS)] were assessed. Subjects were categorized: Moderate-intensity weekly exercise ≥150 min. (Group A); Moderate-intensity weekly exercise <150 min. (Group B).

Results: 53.4% of AMA members met the recommended exercise criteria, averaging 240 ± 285 min./week. Significant differences were noted between Group A and B in male sex (58.3% vs 43.1%, P < 0.001), Body Mass Index (24.7 ± 3.8 kg/m² vs 26.2 ± 4.7 kg/m², P < 0.001), Smoking (17.4% vs 23.5%, P = 0.04), Diabetes Mellitus (6.6% vs 11.8%, P = 0.01), and activity monitoring wearables usage (45.2% vs 29.8%, P < 0.001). Significantly more doctors in the PS categorized in Group A (P = 0.008). After adjustment for confounders, HNHS reported 33% decreased odds of achieving the exercise recommendations compared to PS (Odds Ratio: 0.676; 95% CI: 0.484-0.943, P = 0.03).

Conclusion: Several factors affect adherence of AMA members to exercise goals. HNHS AMA doctors are less adherent to exercise recommendations, emphasizing the need to strengthen prevention strategies.