Knowledge, practices and perceived barriers of physiotherapists involved in disaster management: a cross-sectional survey of Nigeria-based and trained physiotherapists

Abstract

Abstract Background Disasters represent substantial health risks to the human population. Proper interventions at all stages of disaster management (DM) are essential for human-related outcomes. The role of physiotherapy in DM should not be underestimated, but unfortunately information on the involvement of physiotherapists in DM is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods One hundred and fifty Nigeria-based and trained physiotherapists were recruited to complete a questionnaire investigating the knowledge, practices and perceived barriers of the role of physiotherapists in DM. Results Physiotherapists had moderate knowledge of their role at every stage of DM. However, their involvement in specific DM-related activities during various stages of DM in the country was low. Major barriers to the involvement of physiotherapists in DM included a lack of established government policies on the integration of physiotherapists in DM (90.0%) and a lack of specialty clinical practice areas in DM (89.3%). For improved involvement of physiotherapists in DM in Nigeria, respondents recommended creating an awareness of the role of physiotherapists in DM (91.3%), providing continuous education programmes on DM (90.6%) and inclusion of DM in physiotherapy training programmes in Nigeria (90.0%). Conclusion Physiotherapists perceived that they are not adequately involved in DM in Nigeria, despite their moderate knowledge of their role during DM.