Knowledge, attitudes and practices of physiotherapists regarding their role in health promotion in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Previously the role of health promotion in physiotherapy was not well understood to the extent where there was no emphasis on the practice of health promotion in the education program of physiotherapists. However in the last twenty years, especially after the adoption of the Ottawa Charter (1986) the emphasis has shifted significantly towards health promotion. Purpose: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of physiotherapists regarding health promotion in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Method: This was a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study using a self administered questionnaire to collect data on the knowledge, attitude and practices of physiotherapists in Gauteng Province regarding health promotion. The target populations were qualified physiotherapists in Gauteng Province registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Results: The overall percentage of all the physiotherapists’ knowledge, attitude and practice was 76% which is regarded as good according to the score chart (60-79%). The participant’s knowledge, attitude and practice were rated as 72%, 79% and 76% which is also regarded as good according to the score chart (60-79%) Conclusion: In conclusion physiotherapists have good knowledge, attitude and practice towards health promotion in Gauteng Province, South Africa. However, there is room for improvement in acquiring more in- depth knowledge about health promotion principles and if this can be achieved, more physiotherapists will be able to practice health promotion actively.