Table 3 Prevalence, knowledge and opinions of health professionals with regards to physical activity counseling, Brazil, 2011

Physical activity counseling

Yes

Performs physical activity assessment*

Yes

Considers it feasible that physical activity programs are offered in your health care unit

Yes

Considers it a priority that physical activity programs are offered in your health care unit

Yes

Thinks the lack of knowledge is a barrier to physical activity counseling

Yes

Thinks the lack of time is a barrier to physical activity counseling *

Yes

Thinks the lack of places for physical activity practice is a barrier to physical activity counseling

Yes

Feels prepared to advise patients on physical activity *

Well prepared

Importance of physical activity programs in primary health care settings

Agree

Who should be the main professional responsible for physical activity promotion in primary health care settings?

Physical Education professional

Self-rated knowledge on the recommendations of physical activity for health

Do not know enough

Knowledge on the recommendations for moderate-intensity physical activity

Responded incorrectly (duration or frequency)

Knowledge on the recommendations of vigorous-intensity physical activity

Responded incorrectly (duration or frequency)

Opinion on the possibility of combining moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity for achieving health guidelines

Agree

The health care unit has physical activity programs for patients*

Yes