A study on gender preference among patients undergoing physical therapy

Date of Completion

1997

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Gender Identity, Patient Preference, Physical Therapy

Abstract

This study aimed to determine gender preference among patients undergoing physical therapy. It focused on the on the gender related issues encountered among patients and how issues affected their treatment and rehabilitation. The study population came from three rehabilitation centers namely: Jose P. Rizal Medical Research Center (JP), Andres Bonifacio Medical Center (TRECE) and St. Dominic Medical Center (SDMC). Interview Schedule was the method of data collection used. It contained two parts. The first part consisted of a brief orientation. The first part consisted of brief orientation. The second part consisted of question that will answer the objectives of the study. Questionnaires were given to each center of which 21 responded; 8 (38.1%) from JP, 6 (28.6%) from TRECE and and 6 (28.6%) from SDMC. Among the 21 patients, 12 were male and 9 were female with the following ages: 11 (52.4%) had ages of more than 50 years, 5 (23.8%) each of those patients aged between 30-50 years and below 30 years old. Majority of patients had an income of less than P50,000. As to the physical therapist who treated these patients, 76% were females. Data showed that the most important characteristics patients look for in a physical therapist is love and care for patients, followed by competence as to knowledge of what the therapist is doing and lastly the physical aspect of strength as well as social interaction. Majority of patients did not express preference on a physical therapist's gender during initial treatment. For patients who expressed otherwise, although a minority, the study found out that females tend to perceive a preference if it was done by a therapist of the opposite sex, and cited comfort of being treated by the same sex as the primary reason. The authors recommend that the interview schedule be given to patients after treatment to provide an up to date information of the issues which were derived to be used as a comprehensive tool in improving physical therapy in general. A review of the present of patient assignment of interns is also recommended. The need for academic strengthening of basic techniques in pre and post treatment activities is required. Patient education regarding gender preference must be enhanced since a gender of a therapist doesn't make a difference during treatment and rehabilitation.

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