scholarly journals Personal Health Behaviors and Role-Modeling Attitudes of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (11) ◽  
pp. 1419-1436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Black ◽  
Beth C. Marcoux ◽  
Christine Stiller ◽  
Xianggui Qu ◽  
Ronald Gellish

BackgroundPhysical therapists have been encouraged to engage in health promotion practice. Health professionals who engage in healthy behaviors themselves are more apt to recommend those behaviors, and patients are more motivated to change their behaviors when their health care provider is a credible role model.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to describe the health behaviors and role-modeling attitudes of physical therapists and physical therapist students.DesignThis study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey.MethodsA national sample of 405 physical therapists and 329 physical therapist students participated in the survey. Participants' attitudes toward role modeling and behaviors related to physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, abstention from smoking, and maintenance of a healthy weight were measured. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to examine differences in attitudes and behaviors between physical therapists and physical therapist students.ResultsA majority of the participants reported that they engage in regular physical activity (80.8%), eat fruits and vegetables (60.3%), do not smoke (99.4%), and maintain a healthy weight (78.7%). Although there were no differences in behaviors, physical therapist students were more likely to believe that role modeling is a powerful teaching tool, physical therapist professionals should “practice what they preach,” physical activity is a desirable behavior, and physical therapist professionals should be role models for nonsmoking and maintaining a healthy weight.LimitationsLimitations of this study include the potential for response bias and social desirability bias.ConclusionsPhysical therapists and physical therapist students engage in health-promoting behaviors at similarly high rates but differ in role-modeling attitudes.

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (9) ◽  
pp. 1311-1322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra Shirley ◽  
Hidde P. van der Ploeg ◽  
Adrian E. Bauman

Background Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for chronic disease. Primary health care practitioners are well placed to promote a physically active lifestyle. The perceptions and practice of physical therapists on their role in physical activity promotion are not well known. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, confidence, role perception, barriers, feasibility, and counseling practice of physical therapists and physical therapist students regarding the promotion of nontreatment physical activity for better health. Design A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Methods In 2008, 321 (54%) of a random sample of all physical therapists registered in New South Wales, Australia, responded to a survey on their knowledge, confidence, role perception, barriers, feasibility, and counseling practice with regard to promoting a physically active lifestyles to their patients. Physical therapist students (n=279) completed the same survey but without the questions on barriers and counseling practice. Results Physical therapists and physical therapist students consider that it is part of their role to give their patients nontreatment physical activity advice. Overall, they reported having adequate knowledge and skills to undertake this role. Incorporating advice into normal consultations is deemed the most feasible form of lifestyle physical activity promotion in physical therapist practice. Limitations The cross-sectional nature of this study makes it difficult to determine cause and effect relationships. Some selection bias may have occurred, as the physical therapists who completed the questionnaires may have been those most interested in physical activity promotion. Conclusions Physical therapist practice appears to be an excellent avenue for promoting a physically active lifestyle and could potentially play an important public health role.


2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (10) ◽  
pp. 1588-1596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Black ◽  
MarySue Ingman ◽  
Jamie Janes

AbstractBackgroundThe importance of health professionals discussing health behaviors with patients is emphasized in Healthy People 2020, the national health objectives established by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Many physical therapists do not routinely discuss health behaviors with their patients. One reason may be uncertainty about how these discussions might be perceived by patients.ObjectiveThe primary purpose of this study was to determine patients' opinions regarding physical therapists discussing the topics of physical activity, smoking, fruit and vegetable consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight during clinical visits. A secondary purpose was to determine whether patients believe that physical therapists should be role models for these behaviors.DesignThis was a descriptive cross-sectional survey.MethodsPatients were surveyed at 8 outpatient clinics in Michigan and Minnesota. A written questionnaire collected information about the participants' health behaviors, their opinions about physical therapists discussing their health behaviors during clinical visits, and their opinions about physical therapists role-modeling healthy behaviors.ResultsThe survey response rate was 45.6%. A total of 230 patients participated. Most participants agreed that physical therapists should speak to them about physical activity (91.3%), maintaining a healthy weight (73%), and abstaining from smoking (51.3%). Fewer participants agreed that physical therapists should advise them about fruit and vegetable consumption (32.1%). The majority of participants agreed that physical therapists should be role models for engaging in regular physical activity (83.4%), maintaining a healthy weight (71.7%), and abstaining from smoking (63.9%).LimitationsLimitations of this study include the potential for response bias and limited generalizability.ConclusionsMost participants believed it is appropriate for physical therapists to speak with them about and be role models for the behaviors of physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and abstaining from smoking. Physical therapists have the opportunity to support the goals of Healthy People 2020 by discussing health behaviors with their patients.


2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (3) ◽  
pp. 384-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Dąbrowska-Galas ◽  
Ryszard Plinta ◽  
Jolanta Dąbrowska ◽  
Violetta Skrzypulec-Plinta

BackgroundMedical students and other health care professionals have substantial knowledge of the benefits of regular physical activity. Furthermore, as they have an ethical obligation to prescribe suitable exercises, they can influence their patients' attitude toward physical activity and can become role models for their patients. Physical therapists, who are primary care practitioners, have great potential for promoting physical activity; however, their role is still underestimated by patients and health care professionals.ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to evaluate physical activity level in students of the Medical University of Silesia in Poland and to focus on the role of physical therapist students in promoting physical activity.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study.MethodsThe final analysis included 300 students from the schools of physical therapy, midwifery, nursing, pharmacy, cosmetology, and medicine at the Medical University of Silesia. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to evaluate physical activity level.ResultsPhysical therapist students demonstrated the highest level of physical activity, with 46% demonstrating a high level of physical activity, 54% a moderate level of physical activity, and none a low level of physical activity. The largest group of students with a low level of physical activity comprised students from the school of medicine (26%).LimitationsThe number of respondents was relatively small. The main study limitations included its cross-sectional nature and the possibility of self-report biases. Further research is warranted to expand the study nationally and determine which factors influence physical activity.ConclusionsThere was a large group of medical students who, despite being aware of benefits of physical activity, did not meet the recommended level of physical activity. Physical therapist students are well trained and qualified to promote healthy habits and encourage individuals to undertake regular physical activity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-25
Author(s):  
Naveed Qamar

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Globally physical inactivity is recognized as a primary concern and one of the major risk factor associated with long term disability. Health professionals are expected to promote active lifestyle but are neglecting it. Therefore it is essential to explore the knowledge of physical therapist regarding activity and promotion. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 153 physical therapist at different tertiary care hospitals of Karachi where dominant group was females (n=102). A self-administered questionnaire was distributed through convenience sampling after obtaining consent to evaluate their knowledge regarding physical activity recommendation by American College of Sports Medicine and there awareness among their patients. RESULTS Only 8.5% of physiotherapists correctly answered all three questions regarding Physical activity; guidelines. Promoting physical activity through their practice, only 54% of PT initiate conversation, 28% formally assess their patients, while brief intervention was given by only 31%. CONCLUSION It was concluded that knowledge regarding PA was compromised; with a lack of awareness about recommended guidelines for physical activity was also found.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
D de Assumpção ◽  
S M Álvares Domene ◽  
A M Pita Ruiz ◽  
P M Stolses Bergamo Francisco

Abstract Background The consumption of red meat should not surpass 500 g of cooked weight per week. Regular consumption can exceed this recommendation, increasing the risk of chronic diseases. Objective Estimate the prevalence of the regular consumption of red meat according to health behaviors in Brazilian adults (≥18 years). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the 2013 National Health Survey, which is a household inquiry with a representative sample of the population ≥18 years of age. The regular consumption of red meat (beef, pork, goat) was defined as ≥ 5 days/week. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated according to health behaviors (healthy and unhealthy eating patterns, smoking, practice of physical activity during leisure and alcohol intake). Results A total of 60,202 adults were interviewed, 52.9% of whom were women and mean age was 42.9 years (95%CI: 42.6-43.2). The prevalence of regular red meat consumption was 36.7% (95%CI: 36.0-37.5) and was higher among those who ingested soft drinks/artificial juice (PR = 1.08) and sweets (PR = 1.05) ≥3 days/week, ingested beans (PR = 1.07) and raw vegetables (PR = 1.03) ≥5 days/week, ingested fatty meat (PR = 1.09), smokers (PR = 1.05), individuals who were inactive during leisure (PR = 1.04) and those who consumed alcohol ≥2 times/week (PR = 1.06). The prevalence was lower among those who ate fruit (PR = 0.99) and chicken (PR = 0.95) ≥5 days/week, those who ate fish (PR = 0.90) at least 1 day/week and those who drank no fat/low fat milk rather than whole milk. Conclusions The regular consumption of red meat was higher among individuals who ingested unhealthy foods more often, those who ingested fatty meat, smokers, those who ingested alcoholic beverages and those who did not practice physical activity. Actions are needed to reduce the frequency of red meat consumption. Key messages Regular consumption of red meat can exceed the recommendation of 500 g of cooked weight per week. The regular consumption of red meat was associated with the more frequent ingestion of unhealthy foods and fatty meat.


2021 ◽  
pp. 089011712110229
Author(s):  
Kristie Rupp ◽  
Ciarán P. Friel

Purpose: To determine whether perceived changes (i.e. perception of engagement during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic) in specific health behaviors differ by weight status (i.e. healthy weight, overweight, obese). Design: Cross-sectional. Recruitment took place between June-August 2020, via social media posts and Qualtrics online panels. Setting: Participants completed the survey online through the Qualtrics platform. Sample: Analyses included N = 502 participants (≥18 years); 45.2% healthy weight (n = 227), 28.5% overweight (n = 143), and 26.3% obese (n = 132). Measures: Study-specific survey items included questions about demographics and perceived changes in health behaviors. Analysis: Logistic regression models, adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, and COVID-19 diagnosis, assessed the odds of perceiving changes in health behaviors considered a risk for weight gain. Results: Participants with obesity, but not overweight, were significantly more likely to report deleterious changes to health behaviors compared to healthy weight peers, including: (1) decreased fruit/vegetable consumption [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.92; 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.13, 3.26)]; (2) increased processed food consumption [AOR = 1.85; 95%CI: (1.15, 3.00)]; (3) increased caloric intake [AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: (1.06, 2.61)]; (4) decreased physical activity [AOR = 2.07; 95%CI: (1.31, 3.28)]; and (5) deterioration in sleep quality [AOR = 2.07; 95%CI: (1.32, 3.25)]. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that adults with obesity may be at greater risk for unhealthy behaviors during a period of prolonged social distancing, potentially exacerbating the obesity epidemic.


2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara J. Tuyl ◽  
Jennifer H. Mackney ◽  
Catherine L. Johnston

Background Sternal precautions are utilized within many hospitals with the aim of preventing the occurrence of sternal complications (eg, infection, wound breakdown) following midline sternotomy. The evidence base for sternal precaution protocols, however, has been questioned due to a paucity of research, unknown effect on patient outcomes, and possible discrepancies in pattern of use among institutions. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate and document the use of sternal precautions by physical therapists in the treatment of patients following median sternotomy in hospitals throughout Australia, from immediately postsurgery to discharge from the hospital. Design A cross-sectional, observational design was used. An anonymous, Web-based survey was custom designed for use in the study. Methods The questionnaire was content validated, and the online functionality was assessed. The senior cardiothoracic physical therapist from each hospital identified as currently performing cardiothoracic surgery (N=51) was invited to participate. Results The response rate was 58.8% (n=30). Both public (n=18) and private (n=12) hospitals in all states of Australia were represented. Management protocols reported by participants included wound support (n=22), restrictions on lifting and transfers (n=23), and restrictions on mobility aid use (n=15). Factors influencing clinical practice most commonly included “workplace practices/protocols” (n=27) and “clinical experience” (n=22). Limitations The study may be limited by response bias. Conclusions Significant variation exists in the sternal precautions and protocols used in the treatment of patients following median sternotomy in Australian hospitals. Further research is needed to investigate whether the restrictions and precautions used are necessary and whether protocols have an impact on patient outcomes, including rates of recovery and length of stay.


Author(s):  
Jaclyn B. Gaylis ◽  
Susan S. Levy ◽  
Shiloah Kviatkovsky ◽  
Rebecca DeHamer ◽  
Mee Young Hong

Abstract Given the increased prevalence of pediatric obesity and risk of developing chronic disease, there has been great interest in preventing these conditions during childhood by focusing on healthy lifestyle habits, including nutritious eating and physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between PA, body mass index (BMI) and food choices in adolescent males and females. This cross-sectional study, using a survey questionnaire, evaluated 1212 Southern Californian adolescents’ self-reported PA, BMI and food frequency. Results revealed that even though males are more active than females, they have higher BMI percentile values (p < 0.05). Females consumed salad, vegetables and fruit more frequently than males (p < 0.05), where males consumed hamburgers, pizza, red meat, processed meat, eggs, fish, fruit juice, soda and whole milk more frequently than females (p < 0.05). Overweight/obese teens consumed red meat, processed meat and cheese more frequently than healthy weight teens (p < 0.05), yet there was no difference in PA between healthy and overweight/obese teens. These results demonstrate that higher levels of PA may not counteract an unhealthy diet. Even though PA provides numerous metabolic and health benefits, this study suggests that healthy food choices may have a protective effect against overweight and obesity. Healthy food choices, along with PA, should be advocated to improve adolescent health by encouraging maintenance of a healthy weight into adulthood.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leta Melaku

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 focused on advancement and upkeep of wellbeing, 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' towards wellbeing advancement in Arsi zone of Oromia, Southeast Ethiopia. METHODS 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 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 were estimated using proportion. RESULTS In present response rate is 90.0%. Ages of respondents ranged between 24 – 87 years. 57.8% of participants got initial physical therapy knowledge from either of their parents. 53.3% of the respondents hear about health promotion from families and friends. 57.8% of them provided health promotion at their workplace. The overall percentage of all the respondents’ KAP in health promotion was 60.1%. CONCLUSIONS The respondents’ have good KAP towards health promotion. However there is still room for improvement. Also there is a lack of proper guide lines in determining the impact physical therapy.


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