PERCEPTION OF PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS TOWARDS SPECIALIZATION IN GERIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: As the global geriatric population increases, so does the demand for specialized physiotherapy services to address the unique health challenges of older individuals. However, there is a growing shortage of geriatric physiotherapist specialists, which may adversely affect the care of elderly individuals at risk of chronic conditions, immobility, and falls.

Aim of the Study: The study aimed to explore the perception of physiotherapy students towards specialization in Geriatric Physiotherapy, in South-West Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey involving 264 clinical physiotherapy undergraduates in South-West Nigeria. Participants were assessed using a questionnaire, adapted from a previous similar study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Chi-square test, at <0.05 level of significance.

Results: The participants' mean age was 21.85±2.174 years, with majority being males (53%). Majority (65.4%) had attended lectures on geriatrics or had clinical experience in the management of geriatric patients. There was a moderate level of interest in geriatrics specialization (17.7%) while job accessibility (29.7%) and potential salary (33.1%) were the top motivators of specialization in geriatrics physiotherapy. Clinical experience (22.9%) was the most significant factors that influenced participants' opinion on geriatric physiotherapy. There was no significant association between the perception of the clinical physiotherapy undergraduates towards specialization in geriatrics physiotherapy and the sociodemographic variables- gender (p=0.473), age (p=0.469), level of study (p=0.776) and school (0.128).

Conclusion: Clinical physiotherapy undergraduates generally value geriatric sessions and show moderate interest in specializing in geriatrics and there was no significant association between their perception and sociodemographic variables.