Community knowledge of physiotherapy in a rural Victorian town.

Abstract

One hundred subjects (50 males and 50 females) were randomly selected from five different socioeconomic groups within a rural Victorian town. The subjects were asked to indicate from which of the four therapy groups they would seek treatment for three specified medical conditions. The subjects indicated a significant preference to seek treatment from a physiotherapist rather than an chiropractor, an osteopath, or a faith healer for all three conditions. The survey also asked questions about physiotherapists. In listing these activities many respondents appear to confuse the role of the physiotherapist with those of other health professionals such as nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, radiographers and psychologists. Of the sample 47% responded that they had sought treatment from a physiotherapist. It was found that these subjects had a significantly better knowledge of physiotherapy activities than those subjects who indicated no professional contact.