KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES OF PATIENTS WHO HAD STROKE TOWARDS PHYSICAL THERAPY & PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Introduction: There is knowledge gap on the root causes of unfamiliarity, poor practices & attitude towards rehabilitation in the Philippines. This study aimed to gather patients within the National Capital Region who had stroke and determined their knowledge, attitude, practices (KAP), and willingness towards the rehabilitation services offered by Physical Therapy (PT) and Prosthetics & Orthotics (PO) in the Philippines. Methods: The study used a quantitative-based cross-sectional correlational design. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. The KAP & Willingness Questionnaire was developed, validated, & pilot tested and was provided to participants. Pearson Correlations were used to assess the relationships between variable combinations. Results: There were sixty-eight (68) eligible participants. Moderate positive relationships were found between the following: Knowledge-to-Willingness (r=0.43, p:<0.01), Attitude-to-Education (r=0.51, p:<0.01), & Willingness-to-Education (r=0.42, p:<0.01). Discussion: Moderate positive relationships between Knowledge-to-Willingness & Attitude-to-Education towards rehabilitation services in the Philippines were found & patients with higher levels of educational attainment had shown better knowledge & more positive attitude towards PT & PO services. This study can support health policy makers & public health educators into providing widespread knowledge on the importance of rehabilitation for stroke in the Philippines, especially as misconceptions still persist.