Revolutionizing Physical Activity: How Private Sector Physicians Harness Mobile Apps for Enhanced Health Outcomes.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The vital importance of engaging in physical activity for the maintenance and improvement of health is undeniable. The advent of digital technology has significantly enhanced the encouragement of physical activity (PA) through numerous interventions. Our study's goal is to examine the usage and prescription practices of mobile applications and fitness trackers by doctors operating in the private sector. METHODS: cross-sectional study, which targeted doctors in the private sector, whether general practitioners or specialists was carried out in January and February 2024, A paper questionnaire was distributed to the doctors' offices. RESULTS: the mean age was 44.3±11.7 years, 77% of doctors are physically active, the prevalence of use of mobile applications and fitness trackers among private sector physicians for improving and monitoring their physical activity was 32% with a CI ranging from [26-40] % and only 15% recommend mobile apps to patients. This reluctance was attributed to the applications' lack of customization and the challenges patients faced in using them. CONCLUSION: In our research, we found that doctors rarely utilized mobile applications to enhance their practice of physical activity and were hesitant to recommend them to their patients.