Providers perceptions and use of behaviour change interventions for physical activity in people with chronic respiratory disease: a survey

Background

Behaviour change interventions may influence physical activity in chronic respiratory disease. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions and use of behaviour change interventions in relation to physical activity programmes for people with chronic respiratory disease in the Republic of Ireland, as well as providers own physical activity uptake and use of monitoring devices.

Methods

A cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey was distributed to providers (n=150) of physical activity programmes in the Republic of Ireland via relevant gatekeepers and social media in November 2023- April 2024. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means and medians were used to summarise findings. Relationships between variables were investigated using Chi-squared (p=0.05).

Results

One hundred and seven surveys were completed (n=107/150, a 71.33% response rate). The majority of respondents (n=93/106, 87.74%) reported that they incorporate behaviour change interventions into physical activity programmes for chronic respiratory disease. Encouragement (n=81/84, 96.43%), education (n=80/84, 95.24%) and goal setting (79/84, 94.05%) were perceived to be the most effective behaviour change interventions (i.e. very effective or somewhat effective), with incentivisation perceived to be least effective (n=35/84, 41.66%). A large majority of respondents reported that they engaged in regular exercise themselves (n=81/84, 96.42%), mostly between 3-5 days/week (n=61/81, 75.30%). There was no statistically significant relationship between those respondents who use physical activity monitoring devices (pedometers, accelerometers, smartwatch applications) to track their own physical activity and those who use monitoring devices in programmes for chronic respiratory disease (n=19/81, 23.46%%) (p= 0.226).

Conclusion

This survey highlights that providers of physical activity programmes for people with chronic respiratory disease in the Republic of Ireland perceive behaviour change interventions such as encouragement, education and goal setting as effectively influencing physical activity behaviour. A high proportion of providers report that they are physically active. Future research could investigate the relationship between physically active providers and the influence of their own physical activity behaviour on their clinical practice in chronic respiratory disease.