KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF HEALTH PROMOTION AMONG PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN SELECTED TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Health promotion involves multiple strategies that can be employed to improve the individual's life condition generally, and the physiotherapy profession has been shown to be highly relevant in health promotion activities.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of health promotion among physiotherapists in South-East Nigeria.

Method: One hundred and five (105) participants involving 56 males and 49 females in selected tertiary hospitals in the South-East Nigeria were recruited through a consecutive sampling technique. The study utilized a 19- item self-reported questionnaire adapted from a previously validated instrument utilized in Nigeria. Obtained data were summarized using descriptive Statistics presented in frequency distribution tables.

Results: A total of 105 physiotherapists responded with majority demonstrating a good knowledge of health promotion (97%). Most of the respondents (72.4%) agreed that their training offered lots of opportunity to explore health promotion. About 73.3% disagree that health promotion is less important than other aspects of the physiotherapist's role. Also 96.2% believe that health promotion is a fundamental part of physiotherapy. About 50.5% usually actively incorporate aspects of health promotion into delivery of care to clients, while 43.8% of them have good attitude towards health promotion.

Conclusion: The outcome of this study showed that the participants have good knowledge, a fair attitude and possess good practice of health promotion.