Physical Therapists’ Awareness of Dementia and Attitude

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to find out the personal characteristics of physical therapists, dementia awareness and dementia attitude, and to find out what relationship is there between personal characteristics and dementia awareness and dementia attitude. Methods: Participants in this study surveyed physical therapists who are members of the Association of Korean Physical Therapists on their awareness of dementia, and conducted online surveys from January 28 to February 27, 2021. The survey questions used in the survey consisted of 29 questions in total, including 9 general characteristics of the participant, 10 questions on perception of dementia, and 10 attitudes toward dementia. All 104 participants were surveyed, and 100 surveys were analyzed, excluding 4 surveys with insufficient responses. Results: In this study, the correct answer rate for all items in the dementia awareness sub-item was 65%, and the dementia attitude-related sub-items were generally positive. However, there was no significant correlation between personal characteristics such as gender, age, educational background, treatment target, treatment experience and dementia awareness, and no correlation with dementia attitude was significant. Conclusion: Regardless of personal characteristics such as gender, age, treatment target, and treatment experience, a positive attitude and correct recognition of dementia can improve the quality of treatment with dementia patients and increase the reliability of patients and caregivers.