Influence of general practitioners’ perceptions on social prescription of arts, nature, and physical activity for psychosocial health and well-being: a structural equation model approach

Background GPs are pivotal in promoting holistic health and well-being among patients, with the emerging concept of social prescription gaining attention. Understanding GPs’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceived influence regarding social prescription is crucial for practical integration into healthcare practice. Therefore, the current study addresses this research gap by comprehensively understanding the influence of general practitioners’ perceptions (knowledge, attitudes, and perceived effectiveness) on arts, nature, physical activity, and social prescription for psychosocial health and well-being. Methods This research was exploratory, and a cross-sectional survey design was adopted to collect data at a single point in time from a sample of general practitioners in China. The primary data were gathered via a self-administered questionnaire survey. The data analysis for this inquiry used the Smart-PLS 3.2.9 software package. Results A total of 701 general practitioners were recruited. The proposed hypotheses of the study are as follows: H1 ( t = 10.418, p = 0.00); H2 ( t = 2.772, p = 0.000); H3 ( t = 0.172, p = 0.00); H4 ( t = 79.05, p = 0.000); H5 ( t = 1.272, p = 0.000); H6 ( t = 0.655, p = 0.000); H7 ( t = 0. 540, p = 0.000) H8 ( t = 0.767, p = 0.000), H9 ( t = 0.201, p = 0.000), H10 ( t = 1.409, p = 0.000), and H11 ( t = 0.395, p = 0.000) show significant relationships. Conclusion People’s thoughts and behaviors related to social prescriptions from general practitioners involve a broad spectrum of factors, including deeming doctors more qualified and, therefore, more influential, with some beyond the doctor’s control. Among the key factors that can make or mar the success of social prescriptions, arts, nature, and physical activities strategies meant to boost health and well-being is the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of GPs that they are the contributing agents.