Influence of GPs' unhealthy lifestyle on patients' adherence to lifestyle recommendations: a cross-sectional study in Belgian primary care.

Abstract

Background: Research has shown that a physician's lifestyle significantly affects patient adherence to lifestyle advice.

Aim: To investigate the influence of GPs' unhealthy lifestyles on patients' adherence to lifestyle recommendations.

Design & setting: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 19 April 2023-12 September 2023. Adults living in Flanders or Brussels with sufficient knowledge of Dutch were included.

Method: Through a survey we studied the degree of willingness to follow lifestyle advice from GPs with unhealthy lifestyles. Secondary outcomes included the need for specific lifestyle advice, the feeling of being judged, and its impact on adherence.

Results: Patients were less likely to follow lifestyle advice on smoking cessation (62.3%), alcohol use (64.9%), vaccination (49.7%), and eating habits (51.2%) from GPs exhibiting unhealthy behaviours in these areas. A significant portion (68.8%) indicated they were less likely to follow advice when feeling judged. Older responders were less likely to report being influenced by unhealthy GP habits, both in terms of adherence and perceived judgment (odds ratios [OR] 0.973 to 0.979). Similarly, responders with higher subjective physical health were less likely to be influenced by a physically inactive GP when receiving advice on physical activity (OR 0.799).

Conclusion: The lifestyle of GPs appears to affect patients' adherence to lifestyle advice, with unhealthy behaviours leading to decreased patient trust and adherence. Emphasising the importance of GPs maintaining a healthy lifestyle could enhance patient outcomes in lifestyle-related chronic disease prevention and management.