Abstract

Background: Physiotherapy plays a significant part in prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and health promotion in various medical fields including cardiorespiratory and obstetrics & gynaecology (OBG). Still, the general population is primarily unaware of its expanding scope. Aim: To assess the awareness and understanding of the role of physiotherapy in cardiorespiratory and OBG health among non-medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 non-medical students (18-25 years) for Teerthanker Mahaveer University. Participants were drawn in through random sampling. After obtaining informed consent, a structured questionnaire on awareness questions of cardiorespiratory and OBG was administered. Data were looked at by SPSS software and were expressed as percentages and frequencies. Result: In a list of the 200 participants, 107 (53.5%) were females and 93 (46.5%) were males. Mean age was 20.15 ± 1.63 years. 73.2% of the participant was aware concerning cardio respiratory physiotherapy along with 26.8% was unaware concerning it. In the same method, 73.2% demonstrated awareness regarding physiotherapy in OBG health whereas 26.8% did not appear aware. Topics that included respiratory rehabilitation, post-cardiac surgery rehabilitation and the role in physiotherapy in breathing disorders had an elevated level of awareness. However, knowledge gaps remained with respect to the management of urinary incontinence, pelvic redevelopment, and specific women’s health physiotherapy interventions. Conclusion: The findings suggest a high level of awareness of physiotherapy among non-medical students. Still, important knowledge gaps persist, particularly in the area of physiotherapy for women’s health. But we continue to have large knowledge gaps, in particular in relation to women’s health physiotherapy. Educational programs, awareness campaigns and integration of physiotherapy related knowledge into the academic curricula may help to improve understanding and effective utilisation of the physiotherapy services.

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