AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AS A TREATMENT OPTION FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES AMONG GYMNASIUM ENTHUSIASTS IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

ABSTRACT

Background: Musculoskeletal injuries are common among Gymnasium Enthusiasts due to high-intensity workouts, and physiotherapy is crucial in managing these conditions. This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of physiotherapy as a treatment option for musculoskeletal injuries among Gymnasium Enthusiasts in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 164 Gymnasium Enthusiasts participated in the study. Data was collected using a selfadministered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages, were used to present the findings. Results: The study found that 75.6% of the respondents had good knowledge about physiotherapy as a treatment option for musculoskeletal injuries. The major barriers to seeking physiotherapy services were cost (73.78%), accessibility (83.54%), and lack of information (49.39%). The primary sources of information about physiotherapy were the internet (68.29%), television (46.34%), and personal contacts such as friends and family members who were physiotherapists or clients (31.71%). Conclusion: The Gymnasium Enthusiasts in Egor Local Government Area generally had good knowledge about physiotherapy as a treatment option for musculoskeletal injuries. However, cost, accessibility, and lack of information were identified as significant barriers to seeking physiotherapy services. Targeted educational campaigns and improvements in healthcare infrastructure could help address these barriers and increase the utilization of physiotherapy services among Gymnasium Enthusiasts. Keywords: Awareness, Knowledge, Physiotherapy, Gymnasium Enthusiasts, Musculoskeletal injuries