CONTRIBUTIONS OF NONPROFESSIONAL LOCAL PHYSICAL THERAPIST IN THE PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH ACTIVITIES IN THE ARSI ZONE, SOUTHEAST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Physical activity is a first-line therapy and secures against persistent illnesses. Essential medical care professionals are obviously situated to advance actual action. Active recuperation mediations are focused on advancement and upkeep of well-being, personal satisfaction and wellness. There is, notwithstanding, a deficiency of such examination proof in Ethiopia. Objective: We planned to assess the degree of KAP of nonprofessional local physical therapists toward well-being advancement in the Arsi Zone of Oromia, Southeast Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2018 among 45 physical therapists. Data were collected using pre-tested, structured and self-administrative questionnaires. Participants were selected by the quota sampling technique. The questionnaire was drafted specifically to test the KAP. Data were double entered and analyzed by SPSS, Version 20.0, program. Descriptive statistics were used. The KAP was estimated using proportion. Result: The present response rate is 90.0%. The ages of respondents ranged between 24 and 87 years. Then, 57.8% of participants got initial physical therapy knowledge from either of their parents. Again, 53.3% of the respondents hear about health promotion from families and friends. Then, 57.8% of them provided health promotion at their workplace. The overall percentage of all the respondents’ KAP in health promotion was 60.1%. Conclusion: The respondents have good KAP toward health promotion. However, there is still room for improvement. Also, there is a lack of proper guidelines in determining the impact of physical therapy.