Knowledge and Practices of Occupational Health Safety Among Physiotherapist in Health Facilities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Abstract

Background: Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a concept designed to prevent work-related hazards. The leeway for widespread practice of OHS among healthcare professionals underscores its appraisal on profession-specific basis, particularly in under-staffed settings. Objectives: To determine the knowledge and practices of occupational health safety among physiotherapist in Health Facilities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in health facilities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A total of 217 physiotherapists within the health facilities were purposively sampled to participate in the cross-sectional survey. Chi-square test of association was applied to examine the association of outcome variables with socio-demographic factors. Results: Out of 217 physiotherapist 52.5% (114) were males and 47.5% (103) werefemales. Approximately 43.3% (94) physiotherapist were between ages of 19-39 years and 56.7% (128) were between ages 40-59 years. High proportions of the physiotherapists demonstrated adequate specific knowledge on physical hazards (89.3%), perceived risks of work-related hazards (93.2%), which were not significantly associated with their gender, and years of practice experience (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated adequate knowledge, and practice of Occupational Health Safety among the physiotherapists. The highly perceived occupational hazards in their practice suggests exigency for adequate support to ensure positive occupational environment. i