Knowledge, attitude and practice towards physiotherapy management after caesarean section delivery among doctors at the University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia
Abstract
Background: Caesarean section delivery (CSD) is one of the common surgical procedures performed to save the life of an expectant mother and the baby whenever needed. Although relatively safe, it is associated with complications, which Physiotherapists are well equipped to address and prevent. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of doctors towards physiotherapy management following CSD at the University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and convenient sampling method was used to recruit participants. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire modified from previous studies. Analysis for descriptive statistics was done using the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 for windows. While association of factors was tested using the chi-square test at 0.05 level of significance. Results: Forty-two medical doctors comprising 54.8% males participated in the study. Majority 64.3% had 1-5 years working experience and Obstetrics 73.8% was their major specialty of practice. Most of the participants 86% had adequate levels of knowledge on the practice of physiotherapy following CSD. However, 59.5% of the participants submitted not referring patients to physiotherapy following CSD. Further, work experience was significantly associated with level of knowledge (p=0.02701). Conclusion: Participants in this study exhibited adequate levels of knowledge and positive attitudes, towards physiotherapy management but more than half of them had poor consultation practices as they referred post CSD patients for physiotherapy. This suggests a need for enhanced interaction and communication between medical officers and physiotherapists, which could be achieved through ward rounds, clinical meetings, seminars, and workshops.
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