The effectiveness of a training program on basic physical therapy and rehabilitation techniques on the treatment of arthritis for the health workers of the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction

Date of Completion

1995

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, Arthritis, Community Health Workers, Health Education

Abstract

The De La Salle University-Health Sciences Campus (DLSU-HSC) in support of the World Health Organization's goal of "Health for all by the year 2000", and in accordance with its college mission statement, has tried to establish community-based rehabilitation programs in the province of Cavite although with no avail. This led to the development of this study. The activity in this research was carried out in cooperation with the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IRRR), a non-governmental agency which pioneers in delivering primary health care programs in the Philippines. In consonance with these activities, the researchers conducted a training program on basic physical therapy and rehabilitation techniques on the treatment of arthritis and evaluated its effectiveness with the use of a pre-test, post-test and a practical exam. The respondents were the chairmen of each existing group of barangay health workers (BHWs) from the towns of Silang, Tanza and General Trias in the province of Cavite which are under the supervision and guidance of the Federation Health Communities of IIRR. The researchers found out that prior to the conduct of the training program, majority of the respondents (78%) showed "Unsatisfactory" performances as manifested by their scores in the pre-test. A marked improvement was nevertheless noted after the training program was given. All respondents improved their ratings as shown by the scores they obtained from the post-test. A practical exam, which was also given a few minutes after the conclusion of the training program, displayed each of the respondents' ability in identifying the stage of arthritis, the manifestations that come with each stage and in giving the appropriate treatment and instructions for the specific case. Six areas were covered by the training program with regards on arthritis: 1) definitions, 2) signs and symptoms for each stage, 3)risk factors, 4) complications associated with it, 5) management/treatment for each stage, and 6)information on joint protection and energy conservation techniques. Of the six areas discussed, the topic on the "Joint Protection and Energy Conservation techniques" showed the most improvement, while on the other had, least improvement was noted on the topics regarding the definition of arthritis and the possible complications that arthritis could bring. The researchers were able to conclude from the results and findings of this study that the training program was an effective tool in facilitating the dissemination of information regarding basic physical therapy and rehabilitation techniques on the treatment of arthritis for the BHW's of IIRR as manifested by their performances in the post-test and practical test.

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