Physiotherapists' Knowledge of Ageing and its Associated Factors

Authors

Unyime Jasper, Flinders UniversityFollow
Olayinka Akinrolie, University of ManitobaFollow
Cornelius Mahdi Ishaku, Federal University WukariFollow
Nnamdi Mgbemena, Charles Sturt UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate knowledge of ageing and its associated factors among Nigerian physiotherapists (PTs).

Methods: We used a three-part questionnaire. Knowledge of ageing was evaluated with Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ). Certain questions in the FAQ were modified to reflect the local setting. We conducted a validity and reliability check on the questionnaire using test-retest with 10 PTs. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and multiple linear regression.

Resullts: Out of 204 PTs invited, 186 agreed to participate. Test-retest of the FAQ revealed a Cronbach alpha of 0.78. The age of participants ranged from 24 to 58 years, with a mean (SD) age of 35.7 (7.5). The majority were male (72.5%), with average years of experience of 8.9 (7.6). Most (97.8%) PTs have previously treated older people, but less than half (47.3%) expressed satisfaction working with older people. The mean (SD) knowledge score was 12.4 (2.8), which revealed poor knowledge of Nigerian PTs towards ageing. Knowledge of ageing was associated with being male, having frequent interaction with older adults and satisfaction working with older people (p

Conclusions and recommendations: Nigerian PTs have poor knowledge of older people that may affect their interactions with this age group. This study highlights the knowledge needs of Nigerian PTs on ageing to remove misconceptions and enhance interactions with older people. Reasons for poor satisfaction while working with older people need further exploration.

Author Bio(s)

Unyime Jasper, PT, MSc, PhD is a Physiotherapist and a research fellow at the Caring Future Institute, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia.

Olayinka Akinrolie, PT, MSc, PhD is a Physiotherapist and an associate research fellow at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Cornelius Mahdi Ishaku, PT, MSc, is a Physiotherapist, a researcher and a lecturer in Physiotherapy Department, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria.

Nnamdi Mgbemena, PT, MSc.PT, PhD is a Physiotherapist and currently works as a lecturer in the discipline of Physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University, New South Wales, Orange Campus, Australia.

Recommended Citation

Jasper U, Akinrolie O, Ishaku CM, Mgbemena N. Physiotherapists' Knowledge of Ageing and its Associated Factors. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Jan 17;23(1), Article 26.