Assessment of knowledge, attitude and perception of Nigerian physiotherapists on manual handling techniques

Abstract

Chidozie E. Mbada, Opeyemi I. Adejuyigbe, John O. Omole, Opeyemi Ayodiipo Idowu, Udoka A.C. Okafor4, Babatunde A. Adekanla, Adaobi M. Okonji

Background and objective: Manual handling is an integral part of physiotherapy education and training. Still, Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) associated with manual handling are common among physiotherapists. This study investigated the level and determinants of knowledge, attitude and perception of Nigerian physiotherapists on manual handling techniques. Materials and Methods: Ninety-eight physiotherapists participated in this cross-sectional study. An adapted self-administered questionnaire pilot tested for its content validity was used as the survey instrument. The questionnaire sought information on socio-demographics, knowledge, attitude and perception on manual handling techniques, and WRMSDs associated with manual handling. Descriptive statistics of mean, frequency and percentages; and inferential statistic of Chi-square test were used for the analysis. Alpha level was set at p<0.05. Results: A majority (72.4%) of the respondents had average to good knowledge of manual handling techniques. 52.0% of the respondents had negative attitude towards manual handling techniques. The lifetime prevalence of manual handling associated WRMSDs was 24.5%. The low back was the most affected by manual handling associated WRMSD (14.3%) while the upper back was rarely affected (2.0%). Demographic variables had no significant association with each of knowledge and attitude towards manual handling techniques (p>0.05). Lack of equipment was the most implicated reason (90.4%) for not using recommended techniques of manual handling in practice. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of manual handling associated WRMSDs among Nigerian physiotherapists. Majority of the physiotherapists had good knowledge of manual handling techniques but demonstrated negative attitude toward its use in clinical practice owing to non-availability of needed equipment. The finding of this study reveals a theory-practice gap of manual handling techniques among Nigerian physiotherapists