Knowledge, Attitude and Barriers of Research Among Post-Graduate Physical Therapists

Abstract

Background: The infamous profession of physical therapy, by the help of its published educational authorizations along with governing framework of professional education, has inscribed the definitive need to enlighten the physical therapist about essential principles and well-organized implementation of research.

Objective: The study was conducted to scrutinize the knowledge, attitude, and barriers towards research among post-graduate physical therapists.

Methodology: In cross-sectional descriptive study, 250 participants preceding informed consent were enrolled. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was employed. The data was gathered using semi-structured questionnaire which included demographics and the scales used were: Attitude towards Research Scale, Research and Knowledge Scale, Barriers towards Research Finding Scale. For statistical analysis, SPSS 21 version was used.

Results: There were 125 females and 125 males participants. Overall, 121(48.4%) participants agreed that research should be integrated in professional training, 97(38.8%) strongly agreed that research is exhausting, 96(38.4%) remained neutral about feeling delighted in conducting research, 74(29.6%) discovered it difficult to comprehend the concept regarding research, 175(70.0%) agreed that prime treatment choice is delivered by research, 131(52.4%) agreed that subjects inducted can discontinue at their convenience, 183(73.2%) disagreed that consent is not mandatory to participate, 93(37.2%) strongly agreed that articles are not promptly published, 113(45.2%) agreed that physicians do not collaborate with execution and 106(42.2%) disagreed that the therapist do not hold themselves competent in considering the quality of research.

Conclusion: Predominantly, the participants articulated positive attitude and showed their knowledge regarding research work. At the same time, delayed publication processing, unfamiliarity with statistical analysis, lack of time to go through the literature, lack of funds and facilities were among the barriers.