ASSESSMENT OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN CREATING A HEALTH-CONSCIOUS SOCIETY - PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the social responsibility of physiotherapists in promoting a health-conscious society through public health initiatives and integration of health promotion strategies into clinical practice. It was used a cross-sectional survey design, with 64 physiotherapists from hospitals, private practices and educational institutions. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and data were collected via a structured electronic questionnaire that included both closed-ended and open-ended questions. The survey was focused on key areas such as the frequency of participation in community health promotion activities, the integration of public health principles, assessing training adequacy and public health topics. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods including Chi-Square tests, ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data. The results indicated a significant association between holding certifications in public health and the frequency of participation in community health promotion activities, suggesting that certifications positively influence engagement in public health initiatives. The study also found that years of practice impacted participation frequency, with more experienced physiotherapists engaging more frequently in these activities. The study also revealed that many physiotherapists felt inadequately trained in public health, regardless of their education level or years of practice. In conclusion, this study focused on the need for improved public health training within physiotherapy education programs to better prepare physiotherapists for their roles in health promotion and disease prevention. By addressing these gaps and focusing on ethical and practical aspects of health promotion, physiotherapists can improve their contributions to public health and help create a more health-conscious society. Future research should explore these dynamics further, using larger and more various samples to develop a comprehensive understanding of physiotherapists' evolving roles as health promoters.