A survey of physiotherapists on physical activity promotion in northern Nigeria

Abstract

Tackling the menace of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through the promotion of population participation in health enhancing physical activities requires the engagement of healthcare experts, such as physiotherapists, to make necessary assessments and individualized recommendation.

The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge of physical activity message, role perception and counselling practice, and the feasibility of, and barriers to physical activity promotion among physiotherapists in Northern Nigeria.

Physiotherapists in seven hospitals in Northern Nigeria (N=94) were surveyed using a questionnaire that elicited information on socio-demographic characteristics and the participants also completed a Physical Activity Promotion Questionnaire which elicited responses on knowledge of physical activity message, feasibility of physical activity promotion, and barriers to physical activity promotion.

Overall, the physiotherapists in this study reported good knowledge of physical activity promotion, perceived physical activity promotion as their role, and also reported minimal or little barrier to physical activity promotion. The physiotherapists also believed promoting physical activity was feasible for them.

These findings suggest that physiotherapists in Northern Nigerian have a good disposition towards promoting a physically active lifestyle among their patients and clients and they could play an important public health role in the prevention and control of NCDs in Nigeria.

Keywords: Physical activity, physical activity promotion, physiotherapists, disposition, active lifestyle