Education, as a process of modification of patients’ knowledge, behaviours, attitudes and skills in the area of prevention of civilisation diseases, should be carried out on the initiative of PHC medical staff, both in the outpatients department and during environmental visits. The objective of the study was an attempt to evaluate if, and to what extent, PHC physicians are engaged in health education of their patients. It was also studied if the undertaking of educational activity exerts an effect on the place of work and specialisation of PHC physicians. The study group covered 176 first contact physicians employed in 70 randomly selected PHC units (35 urban and 35 rural) in the Lublin Region. The research method was a diagnostic survey, and the technique – a questionnaire form. Two thirds of the physicians in the study provided their patients with ad vice and recommendations concerning the modification of life style and diet. Physicians working in urban areas and young doctors without specialisation undertake this statistically more often. A considerable group of respondents provide information pertaining to the hazardous effect of smoking, distribute brochures and folders, and also provide anti-tobacco advice. However, only every fifth physician on own initiative provides women with instruction for self-examination of the breast. The contribution of family physicians to patients’ education and shaping of health promoting attitudes remains unsatisfactory. Due to high loading with work the physicians focus primarily on therapeutic activities in their regions.