Population-level evidence on lifestyle-related education and preventive services in primary care in Poland—a 2025 cross-sectional survey

Introduction Primary health care serves as the patient’s first point of contact with the healthcare system and plays an important role in prevention and health education. This study aimed to assess public perceptions of lifestyle-related education and preventive services provided by primary health care in Poland, as well as identify factors associated with willingness to use educational and preventive services offered in primary care. Methods This cross-sectional survey was carried out in October 2025 in a nationwide sample of 1,090 adults in Poland. Quota sampling was used. Data were collected through computer-assisted web interviews (CAWI). Results Among the respondents, 67.3% ( n = 734) had visited a primary care physician due to their own health status at least once in the last 12 months. Of those, 53% declared having received at least one healthy lifestyle-related advice from the primary care staff. Preventive tests appropriate for the patient’s age (33.2%) were the most common, followed by principles of healthy eating (19.8%) and physical activity (17.4%). In the multivariable logistic regression model, female gender (aOR: 1.72 [1.28–2.32], p < 0.001) and higher education (aOR: 1.38 [1.03–1.86]; p < 0.03) were significantly associated with lower odds of receiving lifestyle-related advice. Among all respondents, 67.8% declared a willingness to receive an annual individualized prevention plan from their primary care physician. Being married (aOR: 1.46 [1.07–1.98]; p = 0.02), and visiting a primary care physician (at least once) in the last 12 months (aOR: 2.66 [2.03–3.49]; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with willingness to receive an annual individualized prevention plan. Conclusion This study showed a low level of implementation of lifestyle-related education and preventive services in primary care in Poland. There is a public expectation towards the implementation of new preventive services in primary care, like an annual individualized prevention plan.