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Title: Barriers to physical therapy practice in cancer patients: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Rabia Liaquat, Misbah Ghous, Sania Khawar Kiyani, Maria Kanwal
Journal: Foundation University Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences (FUJRS)
Publisher: Foundation University, Islamabad
Country: Pakistan
Year: 2022
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
Language: English
Keywords: PhysiotherapyBarriersCancerPhysical TherapyPhysical Rehabilitation
Background: High cancer prevalence has been reported in Pakistan while concerning the multidisciplinary management approach the substantial percentage of population needs physical rehabilitation facility. On individual basis physical therapists have reported certain hurdles and barriers in rehabilitating the cancer patients, however, there is no published evidence that highlights such barriers. Therefore, it is essential to recognize those barriers so that these could be managed and addressed effectively for future.
Objectives: The study aimed to determine the barriers to physical therapy practice among cancer.
Methods: This was a cross sectional survey and the total number of participants included in the study were 403. The sampling method used was non-probability convenience sampling technique. The duration of the study was 6 months. Study was conducted in these hospitals; CMH, NORI Cancer Hospital, Fauji Foundation, PIMS, Shifa International Hospital and Holy Family Hospital. Data was collected through semi structured questionnaire, Godin leisure-time exercise and ONS Fatigue Scale. The study included patients with all types of cancers, at any stage of cancer, with the age bracket 20-70 years.
Results: Most of the barriers to physical activity reported by patients were; weakness (87%), poor endurance (54%), financial issues (46%), numbness in hand and feet (45%), joint stiffness (36%), procrastination (7%), a lack of knowledge (6%), lack of motivation (6%), lack of priority (4%), , lack of confidence (3%), safety issues (3%), time constraints (3%), and lack of support (2%).
Conclusion: The study concluded that the main barriers to physical therapy exercise treatment included physical symptoms and surplus attentiveness regarding exercise programs, financial constraints, and lack of knowledge, priority, motivation, confidence, support and safety issues.
To determine the barriers to physical therapy practice among cancer patients and to determine the relationship between fatigue and exercise tolerance among them.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 403 participants using non-probability convenience sampling. Data was collected over 6 months (2018-2019) from multiple hospitals in Pakistan using a semi-structured questionnaire, the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise questionnaire, and the ONS Fatigue Scale. Patients with all types of cancers, at any stage, aged 20-70 years, were included, excluding those with non-cancer-related comorbidities. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21, with frequencies, percentages, and Spearman's correlation.
graph TD
A["Obtain Ethical Approval and Consent"] --> B["Recruit Participants"];
B --> C["Administer Questionnaires"];
C --> D["Collect Data: Semi-structured Questionnaire, Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Scale, ONS Fatigue Scale"];
D --> E["Data Entry and Cleaning"];
E --> F["Data Analysis: Frequencies, Percentages, Spearman's Correlation"];
F --> G["Interpret Results"];
G --> H["Formulate Conclusion"];
This study identified weakness, poor endurance, and financial issues as the primary barriers to physical therapy practice in cancer patients in Pakistan. The findings are comparable to some existing literature but differ in the ranking of certain barriers, potentially due to economic differences. Fatigue was significantly associated with physical activity, highlighting its importance in rehabilitation.
The most reported barriers to physical activity were weakness (87%), poor endurance (54%), financial issues (46%), numbness in hand and feet (45%), and joint stiffness (36%). Fatigue was found to be strongly positively correlated with physical activity in cancer patients (r=0.81, p<0.05).
The main barriers to physical therapy exercise treatment for cancer patients include physical symptoms (weakness, poor endurance, fatigue, joint stiffness, numbness), financial constraints, and a lack of knowledge, priority, motivation, confidence, support, and safety awareness.
- The study included 403 participants. (Confirmed in Methods and Results)
- The duration of the study was 6 months. (Confirmed in Methods)
- Weakness was reported as a barrier by 87% of patients. (Confirmed in Results)
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