Supervisors info:
Αγγέλη Κωνσταντίνα, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Κυρίτση Ελένη, Ομότιμη Καθηγήτρια, Νοσηλευτική, Πανεπιστήμιο Δυτικής Αττικής
Τούσουλης Δημήτριος, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
Introduction: Beyond the benefits that arise from athletic and physical activity in general, many times the abovementioned become a source of health problems, with the leading tragic event of sudden cardiac death, even of young people, seemingly healthy. For this reason, in most countries of the world, mandatory medical examination and the issue of the respective medical certificate of fitness for physical activity have been introduced for both professional and amateur athletes and for those who simply want to participate in organized physical activity structures, clubs, unions and classes. Purposes: The purpose of the present research is to investigate the real ability of cardiologists to issue the forementioned medical certificates responsibly, as well as their level of readiness to respond to specific patient needs regarding the type and intensity of physical activity, the necessity of modification of their medication and the need to take specific protective measures. Method and sample: The study sample consisted of 112 cardiologists, working in tertiary, secondary and primary healthcare structures and cardiologists working in the private sector. The data were collected from August 2017 until February 2018 using an electronic questionnaire. The analysis was performed with the SPSS-22 statistical packet and the statistical test x2-test was applied. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Of the 112 cardiologists who completed the questionnaire, 74 belong to tertiary health structures, 8 in secondary, 8 in primary and 22 in the private sector. Only 26 (23.2%) responded correctly to 15 or more questions. It is also noted that the highest number of correct answers was 19 and was completed by 6 participants (5.3%). Despite the high percentage of cardiologists participating in tertiary centers (66%), the rates of correct answers remained low. From the statistical analysis resulted that more correct answers with statistically significant difference were given to the subcategories of questions related to electrocardiogram interpretation, arrhythmias and structural diseases by cardiologists employed in primary health structures and the private sector (p = 0.029), p = 0.005), and (p= 0.002), respectively. In the other three subcategories of questions no statistically significant differences were found, (p> 0.05). Conclusions: The knowledge of the Greek cardiologists regarding the relation of cardiovascular disease and the ability to exercise and participate in sports is considered
inadequate. Therefore, the pertinent medical associations should try to find a solution to this problem.
