PHYSIOTHERAPY IN STROKE MANAGEMENT

Background/Purpose of the Study: Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability globally, with its burden particularly high in low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. It requires a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach for effective management. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in restoring mobility, promoting functional independence, and improving quality of life for stroke survivors. However, awareness and perception of its importance among students in other health-related disciplines may remain inadequate. Understanding these perceptions is crucial in promoting interprofessional collaboration and strengthening patient-centered rehabilitation practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of awareness and perception of the roles of physiotherapy in stroke management among College of Medical Sciences students, University of Benin. The study also explored the influence of gender, department, and academic level on awareness and perception. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 295 undergraduate students (300 level and above) from seven departments within the College of Medical Sciences. A self-administered structured questionnaire adapted from validated instruments was used to collect data on knowledge, awareness, and perception of physiotherapy in stroke management. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, and percentage, while chi-square tests were used to determine associations at a 0.05 level of significance. Results: Over half of the respondents (52.2%) demonstrated good knowledge of physiotherapy, and 84.7% showed good understanding of both medical and physiotherapy aspects of stroke management. The majority acknowledged that physiotherapists are essential in restoring mobility and functional independence in stroke survivors. No statistically significant associations were found between knowledge and gender, department, or academic level. The major sources of information on physiotherapy and stroke management were social media (16.6%), lectures (14.3%), and online medical articles (12.4%). Conclusion: The study concludes that most college of medical science students at the University of Benin possess a good level of awareness and positive perception of the role of physiotherapy in stroke management. However, some misconceptions persist, highlighting the need for improved educational exposure and interprofessional learning opportunities. Integrating physiotherapy awareness into medical curricula and leveraging digital health education platforms could foster better collaboration among future healthcare providers and enhance stroke rehabilitation outcomes.