Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master in Public Health

Keywords

physical therapy, treatment adherence, environmental barriers, patient factors

Abstract

Introduction: It is believed that multiple factors affect one’s adherence to physical therapy. Thus, it is important to study multiple dimensions that affect adherence rather than focusing on one aspect alone. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the association of environmental barriers and patient characteristics with treatment adherence.

Methods: A cross-sectional study where patients with musculoskeletal conditions at De La Salle University of Medical Center, Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in Dasmariñas, Cavite were pre-screened and invited to participate. 46 participants answered questionnaires on demographic characteristics, health status, perceived adherence, and environmental barriers. Fisher’s exact tests, Mann-Whitney test and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine if these factors were associated with perceived adherence.

Results: About 49% and 26% of the participants considered themselves to have high and good adherence to therapy sessions, respectively. In bivariate analysis under patient factors, age ( p-value= 0.022) and health status (p-value =0.029); and equal opportunity with education (p-value= 0.031) and employment (pvalue=0.002) under environmental barriers are significantly associated with treatment adherence. In multivariate logistic regression, patients who considered themselves to have equal opportunity to be educated(OR 17.66) and employed(OR 2.46), higher age(2.122), and higher health status(OR= 1.05) have higher odds of adhering to treatment. However, these regression coefficients were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Perceived treatment adherence seems to be associated with age, health status, and an equal opportunity to be educated and employed. Although the study was not able to provide strong evidence for these associations, it provided a broader aspect in factors that might affect patient’s adherence.

First Advisor

Danaida B. Marcelo

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